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Chapter Text

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It was a bright and early morning for the Lieutenant of the Luofu, Yanginq was both excited and very much wary for the events of the day. As he made his way from his room in the Cub hall towards the main office, he passed the servants who were bustling about. His light gold eyes scanned the perimeter, the light breeze of the morning wind blowing his blond hair into his vision.

He huffed and turned to one of the servants on their way to his room, “Cho, would you please bring a hair tie to the main office. I forgot to bring one with me,” He asked politely.

Cho nodded and left in a hurry which allowed Yanqing to continue on. He could hear the hustle and bustle inside and from what it sounded like, more than one person.

‘I wasn’t aware that bàba had guests over,’ Yanqing thought as he cautiously entered the office, well aware he didn’t ‘look’ like a Lieutenant at the moment.

“General?” He called feeling a bit petulant that he couldn’t greet him as bàba this morning.

“General? Yanqing, I believe I told you I wanna hear bàba in the mornings hm?” A gentle voice chuckled.

Yanqing moved further into the room only to be stopped by Mimi, the great Lion pushed herself against Yanqing and purred loudly. Yanqing stopped to give Mimi a few rubs before looking up and found an astounding sight.

With grey-silver hair, golden eyes and fair skin, the General of the Luofu was every adult person's dream. But if they were to see him now, the way Yanqing saw him, many a Luofu Native would have not only fainted but would have lost their minds.

There was not one, not two, but three Generals in soft pajamas walking up and down, doing paperwork.

“Bàba? Why are there three of you?” Yanqing asked, feeling very bewildered.

One Jing Yuan was near a bookshelf, turning the pages of a book in his hands looking for something, humming softly. Putting it down on the desk near him, he trailed his fingers along the edges of the bookshelf until he found another book, repeating his search in its pages.

His confused honey eyes looked at the ‘second’ general that was near the side table going through scrolls, marking things in different places. After a yawn, he paused to smile at Yanqing, returning to his editing with a new ink smudge by his mouth from his freshly dipped brush. Yanqing noticed there were several scrolls on that table, probably regarding the Wardance if he had to guess.

Even before the Wardance was announced, he remembered his Bàba coming home with more paperwork than usual, sighing as he headed straight to his office to get some of it done. Despite looking more exhausted than normal, the General tirelessly worked, having to be reminded to eat by concerned servants and the pleas of Yanqing. Despite the moniker of the “Dozing General”, Jing Yuan needed to be pushed to take breaks, too focused to notice the sun moving in the sky. That didn’t mean Yanqing wanted to hear about how his bàba ‘ran away’ again from the Seat of Divine Foresight.

“Oh this?” The last Jing Yuan asked nonchalantly as he sat behind the large mahogany table, stacks of paperwork piling all around him. He gave his son a sly smile, all the while correcting the last bit of errors on the scroll, “Just a little trick I picked up a while back. It comes in handy when I have too much extra work.”

Jing Yuan watched amused as his son robotically nodded before his curiosity got the better of him and he shuffled quietly over to the Jing Yuan, standing by the bookshelf and poked the figure. That Jing Yuan looked down blinking a bit confused as Yanqing continued his prodding.
A deep chuckle came from the General sitting at the main desk, his head leaning into his hand. He spoke up and confirmed what Yanqing was thinking, “They’re solid Yanqing.”

“Young Master? I’ve brought the hair tie you requested. May I come in?” Cho’s voice asked politely, knocking on the door.

To Yanqing’s shock, Jing Yuan made some sort of sign with his hands and in a puff of grey smoke the other two General’s disappeared!!

“Wha..what the…” Yanqing gaped as Jing Yuan called Cho.

“You can come in Cho, thank you for bringing the hair tie to Yanqing.” Jing Yuan said as the office door opened and the servant entered while smiling politely she handed over the hair tie and bowed to the people present in the room.

“My pleasure, is there anything else you require?” Cho asked, though she did wonder what the General had said to the young master as Yanqing was still staring at him looking quite shocked.

“No no, it’s fine, please just let us know when breakfast is ready and we’ll be there shortly.” Jing Yuan replied, smiling at Cho, who nodded and bowed again before she left, closing the door quietly behind her.

“Do you have any questions, Yanqing?” Jing Yuan asked indulgently.

That seemed to break the young swordsman out of his stupor as he ran towards his Bàba’s side, pulling at the man’s simple gray colored pajama top.

“Bàba!! What was that!? How were you able to make copies of yourself! What do you mean you learned it a while back!? How far back did you learn this and why haven’t you used this before!?” Yanqing demanded, “And I wanna learn it too!!”

Jing Yuan let out a delightful laugh as he pulled Yanqing closer and hugged him, the young Cloud Knight whined as he gave his father a look wanting his questions answered.

“My my you’re full of questions this morning aren’t you?” Jing Yuan teased getting a pouty look back, “They’re called Shadow clones, I was taught this technique probably when I was close to your age.”

“Do you mean your friends the High Cloud Quintet?” Yanqing asked curiously as he pulled away a bit to look at Jing Yuan, the young blonde couldn’t think of anyone else that his Bàba had trained under.

“No…they may have known of them in a way but I had other teachers that taught me this skill.” Jing Yuan replied fondly.

Jing Yuan briefly closes his eyes as he could still hear his teachers instructing him how to perform this.

“No no no, your hands for the sign are all wrong!” a harsh voice said, “Are you trying to summon a shadow clone or turn yourself into one?”

“Oh come now ‘dara’, don’t scare the poor thing, you'll make him run to Tobi and he’ll be even more upset!” teased a more lightfelt voice, “Here give me your hands, you do it like this. I know it’s a bit awkward but the more you practice the easier it'll be when you can use shortcuts!”

“Bah! If he runs back to your brother then he’s no better than him.”

“You do realize your brother happens to enjoy his company, he’s going to be upset with you if you’re mean to his friend.”

“Just follow the idiot’s hands and then concentrate. This isn’t a simple technique, even making one is hard so you need to understand the basic principles of it so you don’t hurt yourself.”

“See! I knew you cared!”

Jing Yuan chuckled as more memories from the past came flowing back to him, making him feel young again. These memories he never told anyone else, not even his master or the others in the High Cloud Quintet who knew about his experience, back then when he was still training as a cloud knight.

His mind and heart filled with thoughts of them. How he had found a strange object in one of the bamboo gardens on the Luofu.

Running a littler late to meet his master, the young Jing Yuan had taken a shortcut through the tall dense stalks. But through the thick foliage and fallen leaves, the sun caught the edge of something hidden, the shine causing him to pause.

It stood out as he knelt down on his knees, leaning forward reaching for it through the bamboo stalks. As his fingers brushed against it, he suddenly found himself in a much different forest when an older man with snow white hair similar to his own but much shorter appeared in front of him, holding out a small weapon, nearly throwing it at him.

The man seemed to be talking to him, the tone of voice and the angered look on his face suggested he was demanding who he was but it all sounded so strange to young Jing Yuan. It made him realize he couldn’t understand what the man was saying, it all sounded like gibberish to him.

Which was just another clue that he wasn’t on the Luofu anymore and was lost. He had never left the Luofu, still in training. Not to mention his master and possibly the rest of the High Cloud Quintet, though they wouldn’t outright say, were very protective of the young Xianzhou native.

Suddenly feeling cold and alone, abruptly finding himself thrown into some unknown land without any of his friends or mentor, he couldn’t help but tear up for the first time in a long while.

He didn’t have his master, nor did he have his cheerful foxian who would ‘kidnap’ him away to treat him to some snacks and tell him stories from her piloting Starskiffs, his annoying artisan friend wasn’t there to poke fun at him and tease him, and there wasn’t a calming aura of the Vidyadhara elder who would sneak him a mooncake behind his master’s back. The only things he had on him were his training sword and the strange relic he had found that had brought him here in the first place. Soft golden amber eyes started to blur as tears finally fell for the young cloud knight.

The man, surprised by this, suddenly looked abashed at his actions against a now crying young child. Still cautious, the man moved slowly closer to the weeping boy. It was clear that Jing Yuan meant no harm, wasn’t an enemy, and as such was picked up gingerly, carried back to some sort of camp of refugees. He was placed down in front of some tent while the older man who had carried him walked inside, not knowing what else to do he curled up wrapping his arms around his pulled up legs.

Jing Yuan couldn’t understand what was happening, tired from his embarrassing breakdown. He jumped as the flap opened, but out from the tent poked the head of not that man but a boy his own age. With hair as dark as ebony with matching eyes, the boy sat down next to him, poking his shoulder and speaking the same unfamiliar language.

He still didn’t know or understand what the other youth was saying but took the small comfort that there was someone around his age.

That’s not to say the boy didn’t give up, in fact it seemed to make him more determined. He stole Jing Yuan away from the adults, taking him to his room to teach him.

After that the adults seemed to slowly get used to him, trusting him even. It likely helped that the gray haired gege who brought him here in the first place, was always somehow nearby watching others who interacted with him. He even started to teach him things that astounded him. Walking up on trees, on water of all things… Jing Yuan was actually having fun learning these techniques that didn’t require him to be thrown headlong into a fight with creatures of Abundance, which he was thankful for not having seen any.

The best part was, Jing Yuan understood that the man who picked him up was his Tobi-gege and he had a funny brother he called Hashi-gege. They didn’t seem to understand the exact terms but to them it sounded similar enough to calling them family which they accepted.

It was surprising that his new Gege’s were not fond of his friend; the ebony haired boy had stuck to him, still excitedly talking to him even when Jing Yuan could only keep up with half of what he was saying. It was rather embarrassing, when introduced to his friend’s brother, that Jing Yuan could not help but blurt out, ‘Pretty-gege’. His friend laughed loudly at his red face while his older brother gave him a look whether he should take that as an insult or compliment. Jing Yuan thought it was the latter, as no matter what he would call him, the man only responded to that nickname when the boy called to him, true name forgotten.

After that, he would see his Pretty-gege argue a lot with his Tobi-gege and Hashi-gege but they all seemed to want to teach him and make sure he was strong enough. He would notice though that his Pretty-Gege and his Tobi-Gege would compete with each other when it came to training him. The bonds he made with that makeshift family were something he held dear, even when he knew he couldn’t stay and would have to eventually return to the Luofu…somehow.

Jing Yuan found this out rather harshly one day when the strange relic that had brought him here had come back to life, each one of the gems on it were nearly all filled up with glowing energy as the symbols on it pulsed. He had felt a tug lately, and guessed this was the cause, a sign that he had to return back home.

His new family weren’t very happy about that and begged him to stay, but as much as he wanted to, he knew he had to go back. He could only imagine how worried out of their minds his friends were,him being gone for some time.

His friend who was teary eyed, forcefully ‘gifted’ him a bandana with a fan on it, telling him if he comes back and shows that to his family, they will know he’s important.

His Pretty-gege just patted his head, telling him to keep practicing those techniques and that next time he’ll show him a better jutsu than the one Tobi-gege tried to teach him; much to the man’s annoyance. His Tobi-gege handed him another bandana but with a matching symbol that was on his head piece and Hashi-gege’s headband. With his last words, he told Jing Yuan he’ll teach him more strategies and he’ll work on a gift for him as well.

His Hashi-gege hugged him as his Tobi-gege and Pretty-gege argued in the background, telling Jing Yuan that no matter what, they would always be family and he would be welcome back with open arms.

Jing Yuan sniffled, holding the gifts tightly as he looked at his family, disappearing as the relic finished and used its charge.

The Loufu native woke back in the same bamboo garden, now under the moonlight. Disorientated, he cried, clinging to the gifts of the people he already missed. He didn’t even realize how loud he had been wailing, until he felt a cool tail wrapping around him pulling him close and into warm arms.

“Bàba? Bàba!”

Jing Yuan blinked, not realizing he had been lost for so long and shook his head to clear his mind of times gone past. He opened his eyes and looked at a confused Yanqing standing next to him tugging at his clothes.

“Bàba you went really quiet are you okay?” Yanqing asked softly as he looked at Jing Yuan. The young blonde knew there were moments when his Bàba just seemed to get lost in his past and just be silent or go out in the gardens and rest against the tree there just staying there for hours. It always worried Yanqing when he would find his Bàba like that.

Thankfully his Bàba gave his son an adoring smile full of affection as he nodded, making Yanqing let out a relieved sigh.

“My darling son, have I ever told you how I found you?” Jing Yuan murmured, he took Yanqing by the hand and led him to a nearby table that had a small teapot and some tea cups waiting.

“Wha? No? But what does this have to do with what you’re gonna teach me soon,” Yanqing whined as he sat down opposite his Bàba. He shifted a bit in his seat wanting to know more about the ability his Bàba had used, but knew this was important and to be honest he had been curious about this subject.

“That my darling son is a story for another day, to teach you this I need to tell you where I found you first, in fact if you call for Kura, he will even verify the truth,” Jing Yuan chuckled knowingly. His adorable son could be so impatient when he wanted to learn new things.

Yanqing stayed silent as he pondered over the temptation of information he had previously worried over. He looked back over to his Bàba then tilted his head to listen to his inner friend.

‘I think you should brat, you never know when you’ll have a chance for this conversation again,’ The gruff voice of his inner companion growled.

“Bàba, will we have time for this conversation?” Yanqing asked even as he removed one of his summon seals from a small sachet he kept on his person.

It was a yellow piece of spirit paper with black ink writing on it. It was a gift he had gotten from Huohuo to help him bring out Kura, she gave him a bunch of her special paper to use, insisting that he would need it for his own partner also because Mr. Tail sometimes needed someone to argue with him and Kura was usually the go-to one to banter with. It had taken time to figure out how exactly to bring out his hidden partner but it became easier and he always carried it with him in case his friend wanted to come out.

It was very useful for times like this.

“Yes, we have more than enough time, I was meant to tell you this story a lot earlier but with all your little adventures and the crises that has been happening, I forgot to tell you in the process,”
Jing Yuan remarked a little ruefully, thinking about how that nudge had solved the Phantylia issue and had also brought back a familiar face…He shook his head dispelling the thoughts.

“No,I understand Bàba, you’ve been busy and even if you never told me as long as you were with me, I wouldn’t have minded,” Yanqing commented as he placed the seal on the table. He pushed some energy into the seal, the black ink slowly glowing and covered the whole spirit paper.

There was a puff of smoke and then suddenly a small orange nine tailed fox appeared from where the seal was placed. The small kit stretched out on top of the desk before shaking itself and sat down on the desk to look at Jing Yuan and Yanqing.

“Good Morning Kura, how are you?” Jing Yuan smiled down at the small fox.

“Peh! I am fine, huh don’t see that bloody green fuc-” He started mouthing off when a giant pawn came down and squashed him.

Mimi had somehow moved from her spot on the rug where she had been sleeping to appearing right next to the table to bap the smaller animal, like she was punishing a child.

“Kura!” Squawked Yanqing as he tried to get the little fox out from under Mimi’s paw.

“Hahaha, come now Mimi! Don’t be rude to poor Kura,” Jing Yuna laughed as he tugged the White lion away from Kura.

The white lion almost seemed to eye the fox kit and huff before she let Jing yuan pull her away, but she settled down by his side, keeping her eyes on the fox that was bristling at her and hissing.

“You know, I think Mimi has something against me,” Kura muttered as he hid in Yanqings arms. The fox poked his nose over the blonde’s arms to stare down at the lion who yawned and settled right next to Jing Yuan’s seat.

“Now since that excitement is done for the morning, let me start this tale,” Jing Yuan said as he began his story.

The rain falling down on the Luofu did nothing to sooth Jing Yuan’s loneliness, it has been a long while since he had craved the need for people, for others who could give him comfort.

Losing Dan Heng today - losing Dan Feng - did not help in this matter and as Jing Yuan roamed his home office, his eyes caught on a small circular relic. It looked pretty nondescript; the only interesting thing about it were the dull colored gems that followed the circular shape and the lines near the edges with bits of writing that he couldn’t read.

It has been many a year since he last tried going back to see his Pretty-Gege and his Tobi-Gege, he had tried once every hundred years to go back to see them and he hoped, oh how he hoped, he could see them today of all days.

He walked over to the relic and with a prayer to Lan, he picked up the relic and wished to be back to where his gege’s were.

As he continued to drown in the memories of the past, the relic that he held close to his heart slowly blinked to life, the gemstones on it pulsating and glowing brighter. Soon the light covered Jing Yuan completely and then the Arbiter General of the Luofu disappeared from his office.

When Jing Yuan opened his eyes, he found himself in a strange alleyway, confused and swore that he had been in his office just moments ago and not outside. There was a dirt road crunching underneath his boots as the buildings next to him looked and felt wooden, compared to the stone buildings that made the Luofu. Looking up his eyes widened when he felt the cool breeze of actual wind and not the artificial wind onboard the Luofu ship.

He stepped out of the alleyway and he could feel the warmth of the sun on him, glancing down at the relic and noticed that unlike before where the gems had been dull and black they were a luminescent yellow. Realizing what had happened he carefully slipped the relic safely into a hidden pocket on his person as he carefully took the time to look around where he had landed.

He saw giant sized trees that were taller than buildings, the clothing the people were wearing were much different than that on the Luofu, the rooftops alone were so different but the shapes of them as well, so unlike the Luofu’s own architectural designs.

He smiled politely at people who were looking at him, probably not quite sure what to make of him. Jing Yuan didn’t want to cause any trouble so he asked the nearest person if they knew where someone named Tobirama or Hashirama was. Though the looks he got when he asked that gave the indication that he was missing something.

The person he spoke to before chuckled, “Do you mean the first and second Hokage’s? Yeah, I see them every day,” The man chuckled at his seemingly stupid question before pointing up to a giant monument.

Jing Yuan looked in the direction he was pointing and nearly choked at the giant face of his Tobi Gege, “I see but what I am asking is if you could point me in their direction.”

The man frowned, “Have you been living under a rock sir? These are the Konoha founders, it’s been nearly a hundred years since they’ve been around.” The man glared at him then pointedly looked at his attire.

“You tourists from the Land of Iron need to get your information straight,” The man cursed at him. Giving one more angry look to Jing Yuan, he walked off muttering angrily.

Jing Yuan didn’t hear him however, his mind still replaying the man's previous words over and over. A hundred years, his gege’s wouldn’t be alive, they weren’t long life species, they wouldn’t have lived that long and even less since they were shinobi.

Jing Yuan stumbled away from the man, his hand clutching the little relic harder, he wandered, his mind in turmoil, his heart cracking ever so slightly. As he walked he passed a young man with wild black hair and a familiar face.

“Pretty-gege?” He asked as he reached out to stop the young man.

“Hm? Oh sorry, do I know you?” The young man said, his voice boisterous and his attire very shinobi-like.

He snapped his hand back when he realized it wasn’t his Pretty-gege, but it was probably a family member since they looked so similar, or probably a descendant if it was true that his pretty-gege was gone from this world.

“I - I apologize, I thought you were Madara, he looked like you” Jing Yuan choked, his voice full of emotional despair.

The young man looked concerned regarding how upset Jing Yuan was but then the question he asked made him pause.

“Madara?” The man’s brows furrowed, “There’s another Uchiha named Madara? Huh, I wonder who was crazy enough to name their kid after the traitor,” he carried on musing, not noticing the sheer devastation on Jing Yuan's face.

Jing Yuan pivoted and stumbled away from the young man, tears falling down his face.

‘No! Not his Pretty-gege as well, Not another person!’ His mind was so full of pain and torment, he didn’t notice the young man’s look of concern as he left.

He thought he heard the man call after him but he needed to get away.

He found himself stumbling into a park and sank down on his knees clutching the relic, his sobs now coming in full force as the loss finally hit him.

It wasn’t enough he was still scarred from losing his friends in the High Cloud Quintet, but having to exile the last piece of his past… He knew it was necessary, he couldn’t just let Dan Heng stay in the prison for crimes he should’ve been absolved of but… He missed having someone or somewhere he could just not be the Arbiter General of the Luofu, the Divine Foresight, where he could just be himself without the titles.

At least the small silver lining being in this world again where no one knew him, he didn’t have to worry about anyone coming over to bother the distraught General in his emotional state.

Still, that didn’t do anything for the growing loneliness he was feeling, this was his desperate attempt to find someone to confide in after what happened on the Luofu, and now he can’t even have that here.

He pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around his legs, resting his head on top of them, suddenly feeling so small again like when he was first accepted as his master’s apprentice.

‘I am truly alone now, they’re all gone, how do I carry on? How do I move on if not for them. My friends, the one I loved, my gege’s what do I have left now that they’re all gone’ his mind kept replaying these thoughts and Jing Yuan could no longer keep his sobs soft, he was now full on bawling.

“Are you okay mister?” a soft and young voice asked.

Jing Yuan’s head jerked up from his position, the tears still streaming down his face.

In front of him was a tiny little tot in an oversized white shirt and dirty blue pants. His hair was a golden blond that was matted and dirty while his eyes were a bright and beautiful blue. They were wary though, expecting Jing Yuan were to hurt him, absent mindedly Jing Yuan realized that the boy’s arms were bruised, there were scraps on his legs and most prominently the boy looked starved.

“No, little one I am not,” Jing Yuan sobbed out. “I just found out that the last family I had has been gone for a long time now,” he chuckled bitterly at this fact.

The little tot moved closer, probably realizing that Jing Yuan wouldn’t hurt him. He moved closer then lightly started patting Jing Yuan’s hand.

“It’s gonna be okay mister! I’m alone too, my mom and dad have also been gone since long ago, I can hug you if ya lonely,” he said then proceeded to hug Jing Yuan, his small arms just barely able to wrap around Jing Yuan’s own.

Jing Yuan at the feeling of the hug, grabbed the little tot -taking note of the flinch- and cuddled him close, pulling him into his own arms his sobs eventually slowing to a stop. The little one still stayed by his side wanting to make sure that the upset man was feeling better. He smiled when Jing Yuan looked down at him and smiled right back.

“Thank you little one, I feel better now,” Jing Yuan said, getting up from the ground. He kept the little tot in his arms. The sudden shift threw off the young blonde in his arms, making him cling to Jing Yuan’s sleeves.

“What’s your name, little one?” He asked as he looked at the tot who was staring in wonder at how high he was.

“I don’t know mister…the villagers call me names but I don’t think they’re my name…” the child replied though he seemed to be wrestling with a thought. He could vaguely recall a tall figure in a mask with gravity defying gray hair that would give him snacks and hugs, “....I think it’s Naru? Naruto? But are you gonna leave now mister,” the little tot said, his voice trailing off into a whisper at the end of his question, his body slumping into Jing Yuan’s chest.

Jing Yuan got the feeling this was a rare instance that this child had gotten any kind of affection and kindness that it made him start to get concerned. He looked around the park and saw many other children and parents but none of them seemed to be looking for the blonde in his arms.

It made him hold onto the child tighter.

‘Remember my little cub’ his Tobi-gege had said,’If you no longer have family, there is always someone looking for family and if said someone doesn’t have anyone else, they’re free for the taking’ he petted his head as he had said this.

‘THAT’S NOT HOW THAT WORKS YOU DUMBASS!!!’ The screeching voice of his Pretty-Gege had followed.

Decision made, he looked down at the child in his arms who blinked back at him innocently and with a tinge of hope in his eyes as well.

“Little one, wanna come with me?’ Jing Yuan asked and was met with the most heartbreakingly adorable eyes that looked at him hopefully.

“Ya want me mister?” he whispered, his eyes widened in shock and looking watery.

“Yes I do, little one. I need a family and so do you, so, is that a yes?” Jing Yuan nodded his cheek now resting on the little tots head.

“Yeah” he whispered back, cuddling into Jing Yuan.

Jing Yuan grinned and clasped the relic tighter, the item almost responding to his wishes this time as the gems on it started to glow brighter, “Time to go home then,” he said and this time he felt the pull as he was being pulled home.

“Hey, WAIT!!” a voice came from behind but it was too late, the bright of the light blinded the voice’s person. When it was gone the person was confused as to why he was there.

He held his head grimacing as he suddenly felt he was forgetting something…someone important.

“And that is how I found you, my adorable son.” Jing Yuan said, feeling content as he drank his tea. He ignored the looks of disbelief he was getting from his adorable son, Kura and even Mimi.

“Bàba, that’s kidnapping,” Yanqing deadpanned, the fox in his arms snorted, muffling his laughter in the smaller blonde’s arms.

“Only if I was caught, my strict little son and I was, in fact NOT caught.” Jing Yuan replied smugly.

“Yeah no I agree with the brat, that is not how that works,” Kura’s dry voice commented from Yanqing’s arms, his tails waving behind him as he gave Jing Yuan an unimpressed stare.

Jing Yuan just smiled serenely as Yanqing and Kura looked at each other. The fox muttering who really is the tricky fox here between him or Jing Yuan as he felt Yanqing hugging him tighter.

Yanqing petted the fox's head, scratching behind the ears that Kura keeps insisting isn’t his favorite spot. He thought about what his bàba had just told him that he was…found? Taken? Not only that but he was left behind or abandoned?

He had mixed emotions about what his bàba said, he knew that he was in rough shape when his bàba brought him back, he remembers being brought to the Alchemy Commission and he was put on a strict regime of food and exercise to get to where he is now.

“Bàba, was there really no one there that would take care of me?” Yanqing asked quietly, his voice going soft, sometimes…sometimes he thinks he gets flashbacks of strangers dressed differently than those on the Luofu, how they always seemed mad at him for something that was out of his control. The glares, curses thrown at him, barely able to go walking somewhere without getting harassed or something thrown at him.

Kura sensing what Yanqing was thinking about seemed a bit guilty as he just laid his head down and curled closer to him, his fluffy tails wrapping around the young lieutenant’s arm.

It was nearly similar to when he was growing up on the Luofu, he was adopted by the Arbiter General, the person with the highest position on the Luofu ship. Some random blonde child with no name to themselves, only given a name by the General himself. He got sneers, looks of disdain, jealousy and all those things. He felt his chin get gently grabbed so he was looking into kind golden ginko eyes.

“When I was at my lowest my cute little son appeared and cheered me up,” Jing Yuan said as he reached over and pulled him into a gentle hug. Mimi seemed to sense the mood and moved over as well to nuzzle her big fluffy head against Yanqing.

“He told me himself he had no one, I can’t say what happened to them or why you were in your situation but I wanted to give you a better life,” Jing Yuan explained,” if I had to take you away from that world to do so then I would do it again.”

“He’s not wrong brat, I think you grew a lot better here than you probably would’ve back there.” Kura said as he poked Yanqing’s chest with his paw,” I may have been asleep during most of that time until I woke up here but I could at least sense your emotions when you were there.”

“But…you said I had blue eyes and…marks on my cheeks?”

“You did, when you found me. You had lovely sky blue eyes that seemed to go on endlessly and whisker marks that made you seem more foxlike,” Jing Yuan nodded,” but after you arrived in the Luofu your eyes turned to match mine and the whiskers disappeared, my only guess was it’s due to the relic I discovered that brought me to your world.”

Yanqing was silent for a moment (Kura having grown tired and disappearing back into his seal) before he looked up at his Bàba, his golden eyes held a fierce determination and an overwhelming amount of love as he opened his mouth,

“I’m glad you found me Bàba, I don’t know what I would have been like if I stayed there, heck maybe I would have been dead, but you chose me and that means I will Never leave you again,” his vow was strong and his voice determined when he swore this to his Bàba.

Jing Yuan was taken aback by his cute little son’s sudden determination, he burst out laughing then leaned over to ruffle his hair, “I know Yanqing, I know you would never willingly leave me and if for some reason you are taken from me. Know this, I will do all in my power to get you back, all you have to do is wait for me,” Jing Yuan swore back softly.

Yanqing gave his Bàba a soft smile and started sipping his tea, his Bàba followed suit and sipped his tea as well. Yanqing glanced at his Bàba and snorted at his Bàba’s dozing face, truly the dozing general.

Picking up his jade abacus he pressed the speed dial to all his bàba’s secretary.

“Qingzu, when is Bàba’s first appointment?” He called softly to his Bàba aid, Qingzu.

“His first appointment is at 10:00 young master, he would do well to take a nap before then.” Qingzu’s dry voice called back.

“Bàba, let’s get you a nap before your meeting,” Yanqing said after getting up and walking over to stand next to his Bàba.

“Oh~Is my cute little son ordering his Bàba to take a nap?” Jing Yuan teased playfully, putting his cup down and yanking Yanqing into a strong cuddle as he flopped backwards.

“Bàba!” Yanqing squawked, “Stop this and go take a nap!” he whined but still cuddled back into his baba’s chest.

“Mn, yes, yes, let me just get one last cuddle with my son,” Jing Yuan muttered into Yanqing’s hair, his heart full with joy and love for his son.

The two of them lay on the floor for a few minutes before Yanqing started squirming and pushing at Jing Yuan to let him go.

“Take a rest Bàba, I’ll handle things for a bit, you have to come watch my match though!” Yanqing ordered, grinning brightly at his Bàba who was now getting up off the floor.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world” Jing Yuan remarked softly, his eyes gentle as he watched his son cheer and run off, not aware that would be the last time he would see him for the coming months.

End Blurb:

Jing Yuan: (Watching his son leave), “Did you see that Qingzu, my son will stay with me forever” Smugly turns to his assistant

Qingzu: (Sweatdrops) “What if he gets married?”

Jing Yuan: (Dark foreboding aura) “Who would dare?”

Qingzu: (Sends quiet prayers to all the young masters' suitors.)

(Elsewhere 3 people sneeze in perfect unison)

Aeon Corner:

Qlipoth: (Stops Hammering) What did Aha do?

The other Aeons: ???????

Aha: (Confused but impressed noises) How did you-?

Qlipoth: (Sighs and taps Aha on one of his heads) Just make sure no lasting damage happens.

Chapter Text

Everything is fine (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

Whistling at high intense speed, swords made of concentrated ice accelerated in the air, maneuvering around swiftly trying to hit the large wolf abomination that was snarling and retaliating with a large curved blade of its own. For a beast his size Hoolay was moving more nimbly than any of them were expecting, then again this was an abundance warhead with many battles under his belt, so underestimating him was the last thing they should do.

A short, black-haired girl stood barefoot on the battlefield, firmly holding her ground. She swung her greatsword at the wolf lunging from the side, but the beast swiftly dodged, forced to defend itself against the ice-forged swords hovering nearby, each striking with precision in an attempt to land a blow.

“Old Mettle says you need a good smack!”

The massive, blunt blade of black and red metal swung with force, striking the towering beast and sending it skidding back several feet. In the same moment, a smaller pair of dual swords lashed out, unleashing arcs of shimmering energy that slashed across Hoolay’s skin, drawing a pained shout from his lips.

“Take this!”

She let out a cheer when the attack landed, cutting him, but gawked when the wounds seemed to heal almost instantly. She let out a frustrated groan watching her attack doing basically nothing to Hoolay.

“What the heck!? That’s not fair! Ah!!”

Seeing a new vulnerable target Hoolay turned his attention to the pink haired girl who let out a small scared yelp.

“March! Move behind me now!” the young girl’s voice shouted as she jumped in front of the pink haired girl and holding the large blunt blade in front of her blocking an incoming swing, the screech of the metal sliding off of each other created sparks as she was pushing back, protecting the short pink haired girl who scrambled quickly out of the way and diving just in time behind the dark haired girl as borisin’s blade flew over her head just as she covered it.

“Oh man, where’s General Feixiao!?” she yelled, as she hurriedly got to her feet following the younger girl with the large blade, her own palms dripping with sweat as she gripped her swords.

“She’ll get here soon! We just have to hold him off until then!” Yanqing shouted, summoning more ice blades as he held his own blade tightly, taking Hoolay on, trying to keep him away from March 7th and Yunli as they did hit-and-run tactics, while he tried to keep his attention on him.

The last thing he needed or wanted was to be in Hoolay’s claws again, getting the life squeezed out of him were his thoughts as he had to roll out of the way, escaping an oversized claw as Hoolay tried once more to grab him. He grimaced as he held a hand to his chest still feeling his sore ribs still throbbing with pain but Yanqing couldn’t let that bother him as he got back on his feet summoning his swords going back to the fight.

That didn’t stop Kura from voicing his opinion on the fight so far.

Kura was particularly vocal at that part.

He was pissed.

‘For the love of your Aeon Lan! Get one of Huohuo’s papers and summon me already!?’

‘Kura! No! I can’t do that and we just have to hold out a bit longer!’

‘How much is a ‘bit longer’!?’

‘Just until General Feixiao gets here! That was the plan!’

‘The plan is going to fall to pieces when you, that other brat and your student are IN pieces by the time she gets here!’

‘Have more confidence in us!’

‘I will when you fu-freaking summon me you blonde haired brat!’

Kura had been arguing with him the entire time since the fight started to just summon him already so he could help, he may be small but he still had access to abilities to assist in taking down the overgrown mutt that Yanqing, Yunli and March were currently fighting for their lives against.

Yanqing had immediately shot that idea down, having been given very clear instructions by General Jing Yuan that he was not to summon Kura in front of the others from the Zhuming and Yaoqing unless it was an emergency.

“HOW DOES THIS NOT QUALIFY AS AN EMERGENCY!? YOU LITTLE-”

Going back to ignoring Kura, Yanqing blocked another swing from Hoolay’s weapon with his blade, and tried to get another stab at him with his flying swords. He didn’t know why the giant warhead of Abundance had suddenly found himself staggering where he stood, but he wasn’t going to question it and take full advantage of the opportunity they were given.

The three of them continued to try and wear the Abundance general down as much as they could, even if their attacks were ineffective and weren’t doing much to him, since as soon as they made any progress injuring the giant beast he would just end up healing it up within seconds of receiving it.

Throughout the fight, while the three of them had to deal with Hoolay trying to best them, there were moments when the few borism that the cloud knights hadn’t gotten to yet made their way onto the main field, and tried to assist Hoolay by attacking the trio when their backs were turned or trying to avoid getting hit by the warhead himself. One particularly nasty borism tried to grab March as a hostage but both Yunli and Yanqing’s sharp senses immediately put a stop to that with both their swords, grabbing their pink haired student pulling her close.

“Try that again and see if I don’t smack you right off the skysplitter!” Yunli growled to the unconscious borism, giving it one more hard kick knocking something out of the clothing the disguised borism had been using to impersonate Cloud Knights.

“What’s this?” Yunli frowned, grabbing the strange round object. It was colored a metallic green similar to a jade abacus on the Xianzhou but it had smaller yellow jewel embeds on the outer part surrounding a larger white pearlescent gem in the center.

“Worry about that later!” Yanqing shouted as he grabbed Yunli’s hand and March’s hauling them to the side just as Hoolay tried getting the jump on them. Hoolay growled angrily when he realized he missed again, turning to the trio baring his teeth angrily, “Yunli pay attention! What is that you have!?”

“Don’t know and I don’t care! You take it if you’re so interested in it!” Yunli irritatedly shot back, shoving the relic into Yanqing’s hands, making the blonde sputter as Yunli stood up holding an old mettle, “That stupid borism had it for a reason so it must be important! besides, you’re the only one with pockets.”

That last part made Yanqing glare at Yunli’s cackling, despite the situation she still managed to find a way to get under his skin.

Muttering a curse he would definitely have gotten yelled at by his Bàba and Feng Li if they heard it, he carefully placed it in one of his pockets, summoning more blades of ice as he got up pulling March with him to keep Hoolay busy.

It wasn’t long until Hoolay seemed to finally get sick of them roaring aggressively, swinging his giant sword with more force than Yanqing was anticipating, making honey colored eyes widen as he heard a crack right before his blade broke, the fragments flinging behind him as the young blonde skidded backwards.

Yanqing gasped as he looked up as Hoolay had bent his powerful legs, easily launching himself high above them, so high up his body blocked out the superficial sun above the Skysplitter, Hoolay focused on the young Lieutenant directly below him his large shadow looming over Yanqing who stared up helplessly.

With indignation and anger feuling him, a deep guttered snarl left Hoolay’s mouth, barring his sharp canines to the young lieutenant.

“HOW DARE A MERE WHELP THINK HE CAN…DEFEAT ME!!”

Yunli and March 7th paralyzed where they stood, could only stare in horror as Hoolay reared his sword arm back, ready to slice the Lieutenant in two, now that the weapon he held was broken and was vulnerable.

“Yanqing!”

“Master Yanqing!”

Time seemed to slow down for Yanqing, as he held what remained of his blade watching as Hoolay was quickly descending on top of him, everything went silent all around him as his mind was going miles a minute trying to come up with something to counter Hoolay and was just rooted where he stood. Unexpectedly, there was a memory that appeared in his mind, an incident, a situation involving an older silver haired Xianzhou female native, one that his bába was familiar with, one he had challenged while escorting them and what he had learned from that challenge and from her.

His body moved on its own as closing his eyes and felt the air around him grow colder, concentrating on bringing back that familiar energy from that one moment, focusing that power onto his blade and putting everything he had on this one move hoping it would be enough.

‘Concentrate and focus on a single point…remember what you did back then to counter her…’

Bitter cold energy converged even more around Yanqing growing rapidly as the blade glowed brighter, just as Hoolay was about to descend down on top of the young cloud knight, the shadow of the great beast growing larger as he came closer to the young cloud knight. Yanqing swung his blade with as much strength as he could muster right at Hoolay’s chest, releasing the energy he had gathered.

A pained yowl pierced the air of the silent arena, the atmosphere turning freezing in a near instant, as glacial as one of Belagog’s ice storms before the concentrated chill exploded outwards.

Yunli was next to her student, helping March up as they heard the loud sound of ice forming rapidly wincing at the chilly air as a cloud of frost momentarily blinded them. Once the frost settled the two girls' breaths were coming out in small puffs as they looked at each other in fear before sprinting towards the center, stopping once they neared where they were able to see exactly what had occurred.

What they saw left the two speechless.

“Whoa…Master Yanqing is so cool..” March 7th whispered amazed her pink and periwinkle eyes widened.

“That’s..actually not bad.” Yunli said not wanting to admit how impressed she was.

Both of them stared stunned at what Yanqing had just accomplished.

There in front of them the Abundance warhead Hoolay was frozen completely in his tracks. The ice that Yanqing had created to replace the broken part of his sword had converged and covered the upper parts of Hoolay’s chest, expanding to his arm which had stopped his blade from moving and formed a wave of ice behind Hoolay which was an impressive feat.

Tired and exhausted, having used what energy he had for this move his breaths came out in small puffs in front of him, as he prayed to Lan that General Feixiao would arrive soon.

‘I…I did it, I managed to pull it off!’ Yanqing thought as he hoped this bought enough time for General Feixiao. He didn’t know how much energy he had left to keep fighting the Abundance Warhead. Though, those thoughts of relief were quickly dissipating. He paled as he heard a deafening cracking noise from the side.

Yanqing gasped when he turned and to his horror saw the ice that was holding Hoolay’s arm back suddenly start cracking and breaking up, allowing the abundance warhead to come swinging at him furiously.

Too exhausted to move he could only watch filled with fear as the blade came closer and closer until..

“YOU STUPID BRAT YANQING WATCH OUT!!”

An explosion of red energy came from the Cloud knight lieutenant, making Yunli and March exclaimed loudly, surprised getting pushed back, along with the remaining cloud knights on the Skysplitter who had come to the arena after taking care of the abundance wolves that had been crawling all over the warship trying to make it their own. They watched in dreadful fascination the crimson red energy surrounded Yanqing’s whole body forming several foxtails for a split second before they disappeared to wrap onto Yanqing’s free arm as it transformed into a large reddish black beast like claw that grasped Hoolay’s blade stopping it though it was struggling to prevent the blade from making contact.

“What are you…” Hoolay breathed out aggrieved yet curious as the young blonde suddenly had something…unique about him. Yanqing refused to answer as he struggled against Hoolay in a battle of strength not wanting to give the beast an edge if he was distracted for even a split second.

Hoolay could sense some dark and malicious power from the red aura surrounding the whelp, though most of it was concentrated on his arm struggling against his weapon there was a faint crimson energy that surrounded the whelp, it was a different type of power, one that he has never encountered before.

‘He doesn’t smell like a foxian…so what is he..’ Hoolay thought to himself, eyes narrowing as he exerted more force, pushing against the large beast-like arm made out of the red energy. It was brief, but he knew he had seen several foxtails appear and disappear behind the boy before forming the malicious looking appendage holding back his blade.

He wished his minions had done more research on the General of the Luofu’s apprentice, he would’ve loved to ‘test’ a few things on him for example what if he had infected the boy with his blood. The thought of this energy going on a frenzy on the Luofu would’ve been glorious to see, not to mention the struggles the people would have in realizing they would be fighting one of their own that had been turned.

The arm continued to grapple with him to keep the blade away, the abundance general surmised the youngling doesn’t use this energy as often if the arm was shaky and started to flicker. Beads of sweat sliding down the welp’s face as he looked like he was muttering something under his breath he couldn’t pick up.

Hoolay’s eyes narrowed as his ears twitched and heard a small hissing noise coming from his blade, turning his head he glanced over and what he found was fascinating. Whatever this energy was, it was actually starting to eat through his blade. It was hardly noticeable but he could see parts of his weapon’s blade melt away, dripping onto the arena floor. That power was strong enough to corrode and melt anything that made direct contact with it that wasn’t the whelp himself.

‘He would’ve been such an intriguing experiment if I had found him first.’ Hoolay thought a sinister smile appeared that was all fangs.

Hoolay could see Yanqing sweating more as he struggled to fight against Hoolay, the beast may have been caught off guard but that wasn’t about to stop him from getting to his prey.

Before Yanqing could blink, Hoolay applied more strength into the hand that held the his blade, slicing clearly not only through the red arm breaking it apart releasing the energy that made Hoolay growl as he felt the released energy whip him in retaliation that he could actually feel eating into his own skin, his own blade cutting into Yanqing’s pale flesh making him scream in agony as the curved blade continued cutting deeply into his chest as he was grabbed by the front of his uniform and hurled him back landing harshly onto the arena floor in front of Yunli and March.

“YANQING!!” Yunli and March screamed.

Yunli and March ran over to him and quickly tried to stop the bleeding but the cut from the sword was deep, Yanqing was thankfully still awake but he struggled to sit up as the girls were on either side of him. His blue uniform already had deep bloody stains on the front that were growing and his arm didn’t look like it was in any better condition, whatever had covered his arm blocking it from Hoolay’s attack had managed to stop it from him actually losing that arm, but it still looked like it was severely injured in several places.

“This is where it ends now whelps.” Hoolay growled stomping towards them, Yunli grabbing Old Mettle putting herself in front of Yanqing as March followed after her, shaking and scared but determined not to let Hoolay hurt Yanqing anymore.

“Pathetic…” Hoolay said as he neared them, staring menacingly, bending his legs and launching himself at the trio, his sword arm swinging back about to attack again but something attacked his hand, loosening his grip and sending his blade flying landing away from him.

“General Feixiao!!”

Yanqing shakily stood up behind the girls, leaning slightly against Yunli as General Feixiao’s eyes widened when she took in the condition that General Jing Yuan’s lieutenant was inwardly cursing at being delayed.

Out of the three of them the blonde looked worse for wear, Feixiao immediately wanted to take him off the skysplitter or at least find out what exactly had happened before she arrived but they had no time to consider that an option as Feixiao and the group turned to look at Hoolay who was chuckling maliciously.

It seems the final act was about to happen, the moment he had been waiting for this whole time.

“You’ve doomed yourselves hehehe…”

Yunli and March helped Yanqing stand up straight as the group watched as Hoolay and to their shock instead of attacking them he stared particularly pleased at Feixiao’s arrival. As in the next moment, he took his own claws and pierced into his own chest!?

“As I meet my demise, so shall the entire Xianzhou Luofu!”

All but Feixiao stared horrified as blood spilled out of the beast of abundance’s chest dripping into puddles by his feet. Hoolay pulled out some crimson glowing orb from his body, the blood red light was so intense it covered the entire warship they stood upon in its glow. The power from that orb alone gave off a dangerous aura as Hoolay raised his hand holding it high into the air.

Yunli and March glanced nervously between the red orb to Yanqing, the energy feeling eerie somewhat similar…

“The ‘Crimson Moon’ in my chest will make this place shine with blood!”

The orb floated away from Hoolay’s chest, flying higher and higher until it became a red sun shining down above from them as his maniacal laughter continued.

“I will drive all foxians to madness in their fear…craving slaughter…without end!!”

March, Yunli and Yanqing could only watch as the blood from Hoolay’s body almost looked like it was coming alive as it bubbled before it began to spiral upwards and be absorbed by the orb or the Crimson Moon making its glow more intense. The cloud knights stationed around the Sky Splitter reacted to the new threat and started yelling out orders to move others to safety especially the foxians as many were still petrified as many of the crew were still on board running from the center of the skysplitter.

Hoolay fell to his knees and stared at Feixiao through his emerald mask, smirking at her as he faded away.

“What now, Feixiao…?”

Yunli was gripping onto her weapon buried into the ground as the power of the crimson moon just kept growing.

“What is this!?” she shouted over the roar of the Crimson moon, she couldn’t help but throw worried glances over at Yanqing who was struggling to stand up, despite the wounds he had, as March was fretting. She could see the blonde coughing up splotches of blood, his chest heaving as he was holding his good arm to his chest which was still bleeding, he looked exhausted.

Yunli’s palms were sweating as they had just barely managed to make it through distracting Hoolay and now they had to deal with whatever the plaguemark’s backup or real plan was. Yunli didn’t know all she knew was she wanted a target to take her frustration out on.

Feixiao was silent for much too long as she gazed up at the floating threat. She gave a deep sigh that caught the three teen’s attention.

“This is the “heart” of the Borism Warhead, a product of the plaguemark,” Feixiao explained, seemingly too familiar with it which worried Yanqing on what the General had planned. She turned to face him and gave the impression that she was almost hesitating on her decision, whatever she was thinking she held back as she handed Yanqing her bayonet.

Yanqing managed to stand up on his own though March hovered next to him as the blonde took the General’s weapon, frowning looking between it and Feixiao.

“General Feixiao?” Yanqing questioned as he held onto the weapon tightly, he winced as he could feel Kura trying to heal him. He never questioned why Kura could do that, but then again he’s never this heavily injured before so that was why it was taking Kura longer than usual to recover.

‘Kura you okay? It usually doesn’t take you this long to heal me…’

‘I’ve also never healed you breaking an arm before, even when you were training with Jing Yuan it never got this bad. But I think that blade was coated with something which I’m trying to fight along with healing you.’

Yanqing made a face as he had thought he felt was off when that blade had made contact with him, this was a General of abundance he was sure he would’ve taken the chance to coat his weapon with something to make sure his enemies stayed dead.

‘Just let me concentrate brat it’s not helping you still got a lot to deal with…I don’t like the sound of that Crimson Moon thing that ugly summoned.’

‘Thanks Kura, just heal me enough to help the General,’ Yanqing replied, honey gold eyes glanced up at the Crimson Moon briefly, ’are you…feeling okay?’

‘HA! As if that orb could affect me!’

Yanqing couldn’t help but chuckle a bit relieved hearing that Kura wasn’t affected by the blood moon Hoolay had released was pretty much insulted. Yanqing would even think he would fall under that kind of power. He would never say, but he had already been controlled once in his life and absolutely refused for a repeat of that moment of weakness so many years ago.

Feixiao called other attention to explain the plan.

Feixiao summoned her spirit beast before flying into the air, explaining to the confused Yanqing, she was going to consume the Crimson Moon into herself and - once the situation had changed he was to implement the Cloud Knights military rules.

Yanqing could just nod nervously as Yunli and March looked a bit lost which made sense, as out of the three of them only Yanqing knew the military rules regarding Cloud Knight priorities, the girls were still very worried as he was still badly injured, but the blonde was still standing even if he was using Feixiao’s bayonet to keep him upright, they trusted him.

All three watched as Feixiao’s summoned beast swallowed the Crimson Moon, clearing the skies up as soon as it had been consumed, turning it from crimson back to cerulean but then they saw the general freefalling to the ground, upon impact with the arena floor kicking up dust and smoke that had covered the arena.

Coughing a bit, Yanqing, Yunli and March cautiously walked forward waiting to see how General Feixiao had fared.

“Do you…do you think she’s okay?” March asked her eyes darting from Yanqing to the spot where General Feixiao had landed. There was no movement which was more than enough for concern especially given the height she had free-fell from.

March had no idea what General Feixiao had meant when she told Master Yanqing she trusted him to implement Cloud Knights rules, but she already didn’t like the sound of it. They had just dealt with…well kinda…dealt with Hoolay what else would they have to deal with after that fight!?

She gripped her swords tightly, staying close to Yunli and Yanqing.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Yunli muttered quietly, as she tensed up once they got closer.

“General…Feixiao?” Yanqing called out into the dust that had settled.

Through the thin layer still floating around they saw a silhouette standing up, though when there was no reply the three of them tensed up.

They stopped when they felt the General’s aura suddenly turned dangerous, as if something was taking over and she wasn’t in her right mind. Yanqing summoned another sword just as General Feixiao turned around glaring at them.

‘Brat…’

‘I know, but we have to get through this Kura!’

“I won’t…let you…borisin monsters run free!!” She shouted as she summoned her great axe, throwing herself at them.

Her movement being so swift and precise she brought along great turbulent winds which tossed the three of them away, as she darted forward.

“We can’t let her get away!” Yunli said as she charged forward making an attempt to stop Feixiao but the General easily countered and dodged the swing of the blade taking a grasp at the handle and twisting it as she kicked out her leg at Yunli, forcing her to let go of Old Mettle, but not enough to keep her down.

Yunli scowled as Feixiao smirked, tossing the blade aside as if it was nothing. March was close by and looked between the three of them and the General that had gone mad.

“Do we even stand a chance?” March mumbled under her breath chuckling nervously when Yunli tossed her a look and March swallowed down her nerves, summoning her bow following Yunli as the two of them sprinted towards Feixiao, March pulling back the string of her bow using her ice attack in an attempt at slowing down the Yaoqing General while Yunli tried a frontal assault again.

Ice shaped as miniature Pompoms rained down from above making Feixiao pause for a brief moment, although she was prepared for Yunli’s punch, meeting the young girl head on catching her fists smirking down at her throwing her upwards before throwing her bodily right at Yanqing who was still sluggish in his movement but managed to catch Yunli ignoring the pain at catching her. The two skidded back but neither of them were any worse than when they started.

Yunli muttered an apology as she got out of his arms and back into the fray, with Yanqing behind her as March had been trying to keep Feixiao where she was with pieces of ice that now was littering the battlefield.

‘I’ll leave the next part to you’

Feixiao’s words echoed in Yanqing’s head as he tried swinging at her to try and break her free when the General grabbed his arm and he stared into her eyes, her pupils lined with red,

Yanqing cried out in pain having been thrown into the wall, thanks to Feixiao, who had Kura cursing up a storm in his head that he wouldn’t ever repeat in front of General Jing Yuan.

Standing up and clenching the bayonet tightly staring at the berserk looking Feixiao, he reared his arm back, throwing the weapon with what remained of his strength Kura managing to give him an extra boost.

“She put her faith in us!”

.

As Fei Xiao found herself slumped over after fighting in her mindscape, she was grateful to the hands that caught her and as she looked up to thank Jing Yuan’s Luitenant, her heart stopped as he swayed, the blood on him crimson against his blue uniform, “Yanq-” she said reaching for him and then cried out as he fell forward before disappearing from her hands catching nothing but air as her hands went right through him.

The only thing heard in the sudden silence was something falling from Yanqing’s person onto the arena floor.

‘What? Where?’ she thought, her eyes roaming the area where Yanqing was just moments ago.

“Yanqing?” called one of the girls holding her, Yunli she thinks. The dark haired girl’s voice getting more nervous as she looked around for the young blonde.

Fei Xiao forced her aching body to stand up and let Yunli walk away to where she thought Yanqing was, the young girl stopped then bent down picking up something off the floor. Her ears had twitched when she had heard something but had been too focused on why Yanqing had disappeared right in front of her.

“Why is this still here? Yanqing had it on him earlier…” she murmured quietly, her voice wavering in confusion and then yelping at something that shocked her. She frowned and grabbed the item again, ignoring the jolts it was sending out.

When Fei Xiao took in what Yunli held in her hand, her breath caught and a soft, “no” left her mouth.

She stumbled towards Yunli reaching for the relic as Jing Yuan’s warning came to mind.

“Whatever happens, if for some reason this relic” he said gravely as he showed them the relic in his hands, “is near anyone who disappeared, know that we will have lost them to another world” he put it back in the drawer of his desk.

“Why do you keep it here if it’s dangerous?” Huaiyan questioned, his voice perplexed.

“I brought it here to show you both as a form of ‘trust’, I intend to send it with the Astral Express so they may take it to the Herta space station for examination once the Wardance is over” he replied with a wry smile.

Fei Xiao snorted, “Well I’m sure no one would be stupid enough to steal it from you, so no worries” she joked.

Jing Yuan hummed before turning to look out the giant window overlooking the Luofu.

“NO! NO!” She cried as she grabbed the relic from a stunned Yunli who was taken aback by the sudden frantic sound in Feixiao’s voice, but as she made contact with it she winced at the shock it let out.

“General Fei Xiao, where is Yanqing?” March’s wary voice questioned as she moved closer.

“Gone” she whispered as she clutched the relic to her chest. She looked to Yunli as a pained noise of denial escaped her mouth.

“What? No! He was here, it’s probably one of the borisin” she spat vehemently.

Yunli turned her head frantically until she found a borisin that was trying to crawl away,
“You!” she spat, “Where did you spirit him away too?” She yelled as she grabbed the borisin by his collar and hauled him up to face her.

“Hah! We didn’t take him anywhere, he was stupid enough to pick up the relic! I don’t know how he got it working but you won’t see him again any time soon” the borisin cackled, before slumping down with a hard thud as Yunli used the pommel of Old Mettle to knock him unconscious.

The young girl from the Zhuming was shaking furiously in anger as she glared at the unconscious body of the borism. She was gritting her teeth as she was trying hard not to yell.

“He’s lying, right general?” March asked her voice pitching as she clenched her hands tightly around her still summoned bow, “he’s lying right?” she continued tears streaming down her face.

“He has to be!” Yunli yelled, denial turning into anger as she smacked Old Mettle into the ground, “he was just here!”

“General Fei Xiao!” The alert voice of the Jing Yuan came, breaking through the angered yelling and the quiet sobbing.

Fei Xiao looked up at Jing Yuan from where she had sunk to the floor, staring helplessly as the other Generals moved closer.

He had brought Huaiyin with him and from the looks of it people from the alchemy commission. She could see him looking around for any signs of Hoolay which thankfully there were none but then he saw the state she herself, and the other two girls were in and the concerned look on his face grew.

“Fei Xiao? Why do you have that relic?” Jing Yuan asked as he got closer, his confusion very clear on his face as he took in the relic Fei Xiao was holding.

Something in the back of Jing Yuan’s head told him something terrible had happened, and that feeling only grew making him more anxious the more Feixiao remained silent in front of him. The atmosphere was forlorn and suffocating.

Fei Xiao felt sorrow fill her as she stood on shaking legs before looking straight at Jing Yuan, she absent mindedly took notice as the rest of the Astral Express crew appeared from behind him and run to March, trying to comfort the now sobbing girl as she collapsed in one of the twin’s arms clinging.

“General Jing Yuan, we have defeated the borisin known as Hoolay and have thwarted his plans, however,” her voice hitched as she continued, “however I regret to inform you that in the process Lieutenant Yanqing of the Luofu,” she could see the realization grow on his face and the despaired denial start to take over, “was injured severely from his attacks. He stood brave and aided me in coming to my senses after Hoolay triggered the Blood Moon, unfortunately he vanished in the aftermath and all that was found is this. It’s with a heavy heart I must inform you that Lieutenant Yanqing is officially declared MIA” she said, holding out the relic towards Jing Yuan as grief took over her voice.

Huaiyin had to grab hold of his granddaughter as she let out an angry wail in denial of what Fei Xiao just announced. The trailblazers, ‘Caelus and Stelle’ her mind whispered, drew March into a tighter hug as she sobbed harder and Dan Heng, he sprinted to the general just in time to catch him as he fell.

“No, not him, not Yanqing,” he gasped, his voice wrecked with denial clouding his eyes.

Fei Xiao could do nothing but watch as the Dozing Lion of the Luofu broke down in the arms of Dan Heng.

“Not my son, anything but my baby boy” he cried and Fei Xiao froze, her heart freezing at his words.

“Your son?” Huaiyin asked, his voice quiet as he took in the man crying in Dan Heng’s arms.

“Yes, his son” another angry voice hissed, Fei Xiao looked to the side and found an out of breath, green haired foxian girl glaring at her.

“Now tell me where is my best friend” she hissed, her tail seemingly growing in size at her anger.

Her strangely brightly green tail was mimicking her anger as if it was sentient and was demanding answers as well.

“Jing Yuan,” Dan Heng said, his voice calm and strained at the same time, “what is that relic General Fei Xiao is holding?” he said as he turned the general to look at him but Jing Yuan was inconsolable.

“It’s a relic, he was meaning to give to the Astral express,” Fei Xiao started, her voice coming in short pants as the exhaustion of the fight started to take its toll, “it is apparently a transporting relic from what we’ve gathered but it, it seems as though it only works seldomly” she swayed but was steadied by the sudden appearance of her ever loyal shadow.

“That does not explain why the general is acting as though he’s dead” the same girl hissed, a glow she hadn’t noticed before now appearing around her body.

“HuoHuo please, calm down, we can’t do anything if we get angry” one of the twins murmured as they inched closer.

“No!” she snapped, bristling at Caelus and swaying back, “why didn’t you protect my brother!” she cried before Caelus moved from comforting March to going over to the bawling green haired foxian, grabbing her into a hug which she fought before just sobbing.

Fei Xiao made a pained noise at the accusation before darkness overtook her senses.

A while later in the Alchemy commission…

Jing Yuan woke up feeling… empty, he could not understand why until he shifted and felt a weight near his side. He looked around realizing he was in the healing quarters and the weight near his side was a dozing Bailu, the small purple haired dragon child was cuddled quite close to him which was quite odd.

He turned his head trying not to jostle Bailu, then saw the chairs that were occupied by two other people. One of them was a sleeping HuoHuo whose face was blotchy and red from crying and the other was Dan Heng who was quietly watching him, as he placed the book he had been reading to the side.

Seeing the steady gaze of Dan Heng, watching him as though he would break down, brought back the memories of what previously happened. The tears started again and Dan Heng shot to his side, cupping his face.

“I’m sorry A-Yuan” Dan Heng stuttered not realizing he had uttered the nickname he had only kept in his heart.

“Why, why him, why my son, why the one person who had kept me going after so many years Dan Heng? Why did the Aeons have to take him from me?” He questioned through the tears once again streaming down his face.

Dan Heng made a pained noise as he continued stroking Jing Yuan’s face, hoping to comfort him without bumping Bailu.

“He was mine Dan Heng, my boy, my baby and now he’s gone! Gone to a place I can hopefully only see again in nearly a 100 years if I’m lucky!” he nearly wailed.

“Uncle Yuan?” the soft voice of HuoHuo, “Is it true?” she continued and suddenly Dan Heng had two distraught people to comfort.

“Mh? What’s going on?” the sleepy voice of Bailu questioned.

“Oh lady Bailu, I, I apologize for waking you” Jing Yuan stuttered out, sobs still tearing from his throat.

Bailu sat up and took the scene before her in and then she asked a question that had Jing Yuan letting out a pained whine and HuoHuo a wailing sob.

“Why didn’t Yanqing-ge come with you?” her head tilted to the side clearly confused as to why her favourite brother didn’t come with his dad.

“He’s gone away for a little bit,” Dan Heng replied softly, “We’re going to be fetching him later” he concluded.

Bailu gazed at him steadily, her eyes belying her old soul before she nodded, “Make sure the General takes that medicine I left next to Dan Heng and that he gets plenty of actual rest!”

Once she saw Dan Heng nod she hopped off the bed and skipped out the room.

“We’re getting him back?” Jing Yuan asked quietly, his eyes filled with hope and his voice trembling with unsaid questions.

“We’re going to try,” Dan Heng promised, his eyes held Jing Yuan’s as he swore to him, “We’re taking the relic to Herta’s space station and if anyone can find out how to get Yanqing back, it’ll be her” he smiled wryly.

“The chaos twins have promised over a hundred hours in Herta’s new simulation if she could look at the relic AND try and help us figure it out how to get Yanqing back” he looked smug as he said this.

“I have spoken with Fu Xuan and you have been given mandatory rest days during which you may leave the Luofu” here Dan Heng grinned, “it has been decided by Lady Fu Xuan that being here is detrimental to your health and that traveling with the Express would do you well.”

“Wha-?” Jing Yuan muttered, feeling very overwhelmed at the sudden onslaught of information as he sat up slowly.

“I’ll stay here and keep an eye on your den Uncle Yuan” Huohuo said, her voice still a bit trembling but more determined than Dan Heng had heard since the news of Yanqing’s disappearance, “I’ll even grab Feng Li and he’ll be more than happy to help as well.”

Jing Yuan stared at her before a near feral look entered his eyes, “I’ll happily join you, I intend to get my son back, one way or another” Jing Yuan agreed.

The near feral look had HuoHuo looking at Jing Yuan in concern, Dan Heng however, found the small instinct he had been burying since his forced rebirth, purring in response to the fierce protectiveness that showed in those feral eyes.

“Well then, when do we leave?” Jing Yuan asked as he finally got out of bed. Dan Heng shook the purring instinct out of his head before giving his A-Yuan a stern look and trying not to shiver at the near feral commanding look Jing Yuan gave him back.

“You need to rest Jing Yuan” Dan Heng said softly.

“Oh, it’s Jing Yuan now, what happened to A-Yuan?” Jing Yuan teased as he stretched from where he stood.

“I-I wasn’t sure you would have liked me using it” Dan Heng spluttered his face taking on a red tinge.

“As long as I may call you A-Heng” he murmured as he moved closer to Dan Heng making the young dragon’s eyes widen.

HuoHuo watched the two adults unknowingly dance around each other with a deadpan face.

Sighing under her breath, she turned around leaving the room hoping to catch a certain Merlin’s claw before she left to go hole herself up in The Den until Feng Li came. Her heart ached at the thought of explaining to her protective friend about what happened to his dear little brother.

She walked the halls and checked the rooms of the hospital they were in before eventually finding her. She was sitting outside on one of the balcony chairs facing the sun, her back was to HuoHuo and although she looked vulnerable, HuoHuo could feel the presence of two others nearby.

“U-Um General?” She started after taking a deep breath and a step closer, her ears twitching at the imperceptible shift of the wind, letting her know the General's shadow and whomever else had moved closer.

“Hm? Oh Miss HuoHuo” Fei Xiao said, looking towards the shifting teen.

“I’m h-here to say sorry General, I didn't mean to take my grief and anger out on you” Huohuo said bowing her head as she apologized.

“What? No! I should be apologizing, if I had done-” Fei Xiao started, swiftly turning around before being cut off by HuoHuo straightening her head and frowning at her.

“What more could you have done General? You did not steal the relic and put it in his hand” HuoHuo rebuked.

“No I did not bu-” Fei Xiao sputtered but was once again caught off guard by the decidedly stubborn greenet.

“You didn’t force him to fight against Hoolay did you?” HuoHuo said mulishly, crossing her arms as she pinned the General with a glare she often gave Yanqing when he started disparaging himself.

“No! Wha? I mean if I was faster or stronger the may-” Fei Xiao struggled to find her words and she knew her boys were snickering at her from the shadows having never seen their leader so flustered from a much smaller foxian.

“What?If you were faster or stronger I guarantee you; March, Yunli and Yanqing wouldn’t have been able to help you let alone defeat you” HuoHuo huffed

HuoHuo shook herself before walking up to the General and squared her shoulders. She could feel the sudden tension from the shadows but she ignored it.

“General in all honesty I also want to thank you because you held back, you held back and that gave my brother, March and Yunli enough time to snap you out of it and bring you back. The only person at fault for my brother’s disappearance is that, excuse my language, asshole that thought stealing an unknown relic is a good thing” HuoHuo declared before darting forward hugging the suddenly stunned Fei Xiao.

As she did that, the shadows shifted and moved showing two men who had darted out thinking HuoHuo would attack Fei Xiao but then stopped upon seeing the small teen give her a hug.

“You see Moze, she’s fine, just getting a good kick to the rear regarding these self deprecating thoughts” the pink haired man mused, his light green hospital gown fluttering from the instant movement and his hair falling flat.

The man in dark gray and purple leather grunted before holding onto the pink haired foxian’s elbow, “Yes well, we all know how easy that is” he murmured softly, leaning his head against the now blind Foxian’s shoulder.

Fei Xiao, still stunned, hugged the teen and then before she knew it she broke down sobbing, knowing that despite it all she couldn’t have done anymore. She gripped the teen close to her and let go, feeling the weight of what her JiaoQiu had done for her, the sudden freedom from her curse, and Hoolay, and most importantly, the fact that despite it all she still somehow feels that they had lost too much.

HuoHuo just let the General hug her until she had tired herself out and let her two shadows take her. She nodded to them and took notice of JiaoQiu’s sudden blindness. She bit her lip before deciding to find him later and give him a certain seal that can help a blind person ‘see’.

“Welcome aboard General” the smooth voice of Welt Yang said. Jing Yuan turned and found the admittedly handsome older looking gentleman smiling at them from one of the seats.

“Thank you Sir Welt-” Welt cut him off with a chuckle making his handsome features seem more distinguished, his amber eyes alight with mirth.

“Now Jing Yuan, I know for a fact you are older than I so no sir if you please. PomPom, where is Himeko?” Welt chided, making Jing Yuan feel as though he was a young cadet learning manners again.

“She’s on her way, she was just making sure everything was ready for the jump” PomPom said then wandered closer to Jing Yuan.

“Hello, I am PomPom of the Astral Express and its conductor, it’s nice to finally put a face to a name I’ve heard so much about” he greeted then stuck out his paw for a handshake.

Jing Yuan knelt down and shook PomPom’s paw then from his side drew a small pouch. He put his hand inside the pouch and pulled out a beautiful box filled with treats for the conductor.

“It’s a great pleasure to meet you PomPom, Dan Heng has told me all about you and I hope you can enjoy these treats” Jing Yuan murmured then handed the treats to PomPom who was delighted by the gift.

“I like this one, Dan Heng you’ve done well, you get your favorites tonight” PomPom declared to the squawks of March, Stelle and Caelus.

Dan Heng blushed lightly before sending a smirk their way in triumph, food choices were usually left to PomPom and he never outright declared it would be someone's favorites for dinner, so these small bragging rights made Dan Heng feel just a tiny bit smug.

“Feeling smug my dear A-Heng” a voice rumbled low near his ear.

Dan Heng felt his slight blush turn crimson, he was vaguely aware of Welt suddenly raising an eyebrow in his direction and the snickers from his companions.

“A-Yuan” he blustered then quickly walked away, passing a confused Himeko who gave him a soft “Welcome back Dan Heng”

“Odd? Doesn’t he usually give me a debrief” Himeko questioned as she walked to stand next to the still sitting Welt.

“I believe that is my fault Mi-ahem Himeko” Jing Yuan stated then corrected himself at the ominous smile Himeko aimed at him when he attempted to call her ‘miss’.

“Oh?” she questioned a mischievous smile crossing her lightly glossed lips, “do tell then General Jing Yuan” she teased purposely calling him by his title even though he told her and Welt that they could call him by name the last time they met.

“Ahem” Jing Yuan coughs suddenly feeling his own blush start to creep up on him.

“I just teased him a bit” he states looking away from the now smiling crimson haired woman, her Amphoreus inspired dress swaying as she gave a silent giggle at the sudden shyness coming from the General.

“I guess it’s fine, let Welt and I show you to your room before we begin the warp procedure” she said then gestured for him to follow.

“March, Stelle, Caelus! You’re helping me with dinner prep before we jump!” PomPom said.

The three agreed, readily knowing they would get snacks out of it.

As Welt, Himeko and Jing Yuan passed by the various cabins, Jing Yuan couldn’t help but stop at an open one, Dan Heng’s open room to be exact.

He gazed inside the small room and ached for a bit at some of the more “Luofu touches” before hurrying to follow Welt and Himeko.

They ended up at one of the non-descript cabins that had a bed and a desk inside, Jing Yuan nodded his thanks and put down his travel belongings. He then sighed and laid down, closing his eyes and hoping to Lan that they could find a way to bring his precious son home.

Aeon’s Corner:

Lan staring at what happened: What in the Sea of Quanta was that??

Yaoshi: Not something I have done (stares in confusion).

Qlippoth: (Sigh) Aha, what did you do?

Aha: (cackling madly) It begins!!

Lan: …….. Aha when I get my hands on you!! (Starts chasing Aha)

Qlippoth and Yaoshi: (Sigh)

Chapter Text

Enjoy the chapter and finally some JingHeng ♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡

A group of four teens sitting tensely in a circle on the plush red carpeted floor for the train car, the two silver haired twins were giving each other looks while the remaining two glanced at each other, the darker haired one even looked at his phone to see how much time had passed making him sigh even more.

Periwinkle and pink eyes looked at her cards and kept changing their positions in her hand, while twin pairs of amber glared at each other muttering under their breaths leaving the last one with sea green eyes sighing waiting for the two of them to do something.

“Stelle, stop trying to read your brother’s mind and pick a card already.” Dan Heng finally vocalized exasperatedly, he was suddenly regretting suggesting this game to kill time on their way to the Herta Station forgetting how competitive the twins could get with each other.

March, who was sitting next to him turned her head in an attempt to hide her snickering at how tired the dragon next to her was looking dealing with Stelle and Caelus’s antics. Again.

The twins being as unique as they are, did insist that they could share thoughts, which given how they came into being he really couldn’t refute that.

It’s just when it was moments like this, when one of the twins tried to take advantage of said connection to get a win over the other, hence the reason that Stelle was trying to read Caelus’s mind to find out which card wasn’t the old maid.

“Yeah sis!” Caleus said glaring back at Stelle as he held out his cards, “come on and pick one already! although you know you’re gonna lose cuz you got the card from me last time.”

“I still call BS that if one of us loses the other wins and vice versa!” Stelle hissed back at Caelus who just smirked back waving his cards in front of his sister’s face.

“Though that is kinda accurate.” March muttered looking at Dan Heng and leaning closer, “remember when we tried those arcade games in Penacony? If Stelle won then Caelus would lose and if Caleus won Stelle would lose. Neither of them can keep a winning streak.”

The two turned back when Stelle shouted angrily as she had grabbed the joker card and Caleus was cheering, shouting he called it. Caleus cackled that had Stelle sneer back and rearranging her cards, grumbling as she turned to March holding out her hand for the other girl to pick.

While March fretted looking at Stelle's cards trying to figure out which one wasn’t the old maid, Dan Heng glanced over at Jing Yuan who had gone quiet since the Astral Express had left the Luofu, he had settled on one of the plush red couches glancing out the window as the stars passed by the large window behind him. Dan Heng wanted to stay close to him and talk to him but he didn’t really know how to comfort the General.

The twins along with March sensing his frustration with the situation they were dealing with, which usually led to Dan Heng hiding in the Archives to find a solution.

The trio, not wanting their older brother to hide away, had suggested they play a game to distract him instead with Dan Heng suggesting the game Welt had taught him and was soon dragged into said game as soon as they found a deck of cards.

Said man though, was making his way over to Jing Yuan, giving a slight nod to Dan Heng letting him know he’ll keep the general occupied, Dan Heng sent him a thankful smile and turned back just in time to see March let out a relieved sigh as she put down another pair before turning to him to pick a card.

Leaving the kids to their game, Welt sat down next to the somber general after making eye contact with Dan Heng, he took out a game of Go from beneath the small table and started laying out the pieces.

“Jing Yuan,” Welt called gently then smiled as the younger looking man turned to him startled,
“Have you played Go before?” Welt asked.

Jing Yuan tilted his head, his eyes still dazed and sad, oh so sad.

Welt felt his heart break slightly for the man in front of him.

Welt knew the pain he was feeling, he himself still ached for his little boy on earth, his little Joey.

He knew that Herta had sent the signal, he knew that that was all she could currently do but some days, some days Welt wished she would drop the Aeons be damned Simulated Universe and try working on the communicator again.

After the near elation at finding Himeko again, of finding her whole, healthy and happy; Welt remembered his son, his friends, Aeons he remembered the last promise he made to Joey and ended up barricading himself in his room for days on end sobbing at the loss of his son.

Flashback

“Daddy, do you have to go on this mission?” Joey asked as he watched Welt get ready.

“I’m sorry Joey, yes I have to, this is a good opportunity. That said, as soon as we’re done and we make it back, how about we go to that aquarium you wanted to go to” Welt asked as he knelt in front of his son.

“Y-You promise?” Joey whispered, his teal blue eyes filled with tears.

Welt felt his heart tighten at the thought of leaving him here but he knew Fredericka would look after him in the meantime.

Welt chuckled softly then walked over to him and hugged Joey tightly, “I promise” he then got up, ruffled Joey’s purple hair and finished getting ready.

Joey had stuck to him until the last second before he left, he had hugged Welt tightly and sobbed into his chest, “I’m going to miss you daddy” then ran to cling onto Fredericka.

“You better fucking come back Welt,” She growled, her own voice trembling slightly, she glared at him with her red eyes. Her red twin tailed hair was not out of place even after all the sleepless nights she pulled to make sure this mission would go well.

“I’ll come back” Welt chuckled then turned and left when Void called him, he would come back.

End flashback

He did not end up going back, no he was flung to another dimension and he has not been able to speak to them, he did not even know if the previous communication attempt went through.

His heart still cracks and chips at the thought of his little boy, of fierce Fredericka and her determination to have them come back safe and sound. The promise he made to Joey was something he still clung to even though his little boy wasn’t so little anymore.

“Jing Yuan, I hope I don’t offended when I say, it will be alright” Welt started softly as he placed his piece down first.

Jing Yuan’s golden eyes snapped towards him, they burned with indignation and anger, he had started opening his mouth to yell, scold, rage but Welt held up his hand and gave Jing Yuan the worn brittle smile he saw on his own face some mornings.

“Unlike most others in your situation, you have us and the source of Yanqing’s disappearance,” Welt continued, “You have a very determined ahem friend,” Welt continued as he glanced at Dan Heng who was eyeing the both of them quietly, looking ready to intervene at a moments notice, ”Not to mention a certain pair of chaos twins that has…. hmm made an arrangement with Herta to get your case moved up” Welt said, his voice slightly bitter and his smile even more fragile.

“Mr Yang-,” Jing Yuan started but was cut off by Welt’s, “Call me Welt” which Jing Yuan nodded to, “Welt, have you?” he started asking, “Have you lost a child as well?” he asked and looked in Himeko’s direction.

Welt startled, then blushed, “Ahem, No, not uh in the way you’re thinking” Welt stumbled.

“I had a son, I have a son” Welt corrected himself, “I had to leave him before I found myself here.” Welt stared down at the game board, even after moving his first piece, no other piece had been moved during their conversation.

“Can you not contact him?” Jing Yuan asked, feeling a sort of kinship to the man.

“We sent a message but we didn’t know if it could reach them.” Welt continued.

“Like your Yanqing, my son is in a hard to reach plane of existence, I had hoped that the communicator Herta had made would be done by now, but I have not heard of any progress” Welt continued as he picked up one of the white pieces.

Jing Yuan frowned, “Then how do you know that she will help with Yanqing if she has not fulfilled her promise towards you?” here Welt chuckled and pointed at the chaos twins who were now in a serious discussion with March and Dan Heng, it looked like they were plotting something and Welt could only hope it wouldn’t affect the Astral Express. He could count the many times when his kids would discuss things with each other and it could end up a good thing or have their dear conductor upset at them.

“The twins are Herta’s favorite lab rats? No, uh, testers, yes that sounds mildly better” Welt chuckled, his laughter losing a bit of that bitter edge.

“Jing Yuan, like I said, it may not seem like it now, hell I know for a fact it feels like your entire world just ended but know this, everything will be fine and we WILL get him back” Welt smiled at Jing Yuan, the confidence in his brown eyes, radiating warmth and determination.

Jing Yuan looked at the man and bowed his head as the tears started again, this time he let them roll silently in relief, knowing that these people, these people would help him without demanding more back. He was all too used to people demanding more of him than he could give sometimes so it was a relief that these people just sincerely wanted to help him find his son.

He felt someone move closer to his seat and then a pair of strong arms wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him up and into a fierce hug. He could smell the lingering scent of coffee and paper.

“Cry Jing Yuan, you’re safe here” Welt’s smooth baritone voice murmured and all Jing Yuan could do was obey.

He sobbed once again but this time, this time he knew he wouldn’t break, this time he knew he would get through it without losing another piece of himself.

A little while after the morning’s discussion, Jing Yuan found himself once again in the parlor car watching as the twins argued about their win to loss ratio.

“I am just saying Stelle, it should not mathematically be probable that our win to loss ratio is a perfect 50/50” Caelus hissed.

“Look, just admit you’re sour because you lost the character” Stelle replied cheekily, then squawked as her twin tackled her to the ground. March had to jump to the side when both twins were rolling around the floor arguing with each other about their win lose ratio.

“Are they always this energetic?” Jing Yuan asked as Dan Heng slid into the seat next to him.

“No, sometimes they’re worse AND they pull March into the discussion” Dan Heng responded dryly causing Jing Yuan to let out a bark of laughter, the sound making Dan Heng smile.

“Are you feeling a bit better now?” Dan Heng asked softly, his eyes searching Jing Yuan’s face.

“No, truthfully, until I know that we will be able to get Yanqing back, I won’t be.” Jing Yuan said with a grim smile.

Dan Heng winced and looked down, he looked back up and stared at the man he had admired from afar. Jing Yuan looked hollow, his once golden bright eyes now dulled to an amber colour, his skin as pale as it was after the fight with Phantilliya.

He usually stood tall and confident with an almost lazy air to him, now he sat hunched as if trying to curl in on himself, with an aura of anxiety and sadness now surrounding his being.

Dan Heng frowned, until they got to the station, he would have to make sure his general took care of himself and if he was going to help this stubborn man, he would have to call in the big guns.

Nodding to himself, he stood up and reached out a hand to the somber man. Jing Yuan looked confused but took Dan Heng’s hand and soon found himself dragged over to where Himeko was sitting. The red haired woman looked up from her tablet putting down her coffee to look up at the two in front of her.

“Himeko, it seems like Jing Yuan hasn't heard about the history of the Astral Express and it’s contributions, he also hasn’t had breakfast, not to mention he’s expressed an interest in your espresso” Dan Heng stated, ignoring Jing Yuan’s startled look.

Dan Heng wasn’t sure the general ever had coffee, especially one as strong as Himiko’s but it would be a nice distraction for Jing Yuan to take his mind off even for a little bit.

Himeko’s surprise turned into delight, she patted for the general to sit down in the seat across from her and proceeded to keep him fed, occupied and engaged. She was eager to get to know the General from the stories Welt and the kids had told her when they had returned back from their adventures from the first time they arrived on the Luofu.

Nodding to himself now that the General wasn’t moping, Dan Heng marched over to the twins, grabbed them by the collars dragging them off to March’s room. March quickly followed after them once they got there, he turned, shut the door and turned on the soundproofing.

The twins stood up straight with March next to them as they watched Dan Heng pace in the room.

“Right, Jing Yuan is currently preoccupied with Himeko and Welt is, Welt has gone to his room again” Dan Heng grimaced.

March, Caelus and Stelle all winced, they knew that when Welt left for the room, he would only leave after a significant amount of time.

“Twins, report” Dan Heng called, easily slipping into his role as team leader.

“Herta finished the relic a few months before we came into being,” Stelle reported pulling out her phone and looking through it,” Asta had to contact her but she assured us it had been completed,”

“She just stashed the thing and forgot to tell Welt,” Caelus continued frowning, “We’ve gotten a promise out of her to have it ready by the time we get there, it’s portable as well! From what we know though it works about once a week on call but can text like a phone constantly” They concluded together, their twin speak usually giving Dan Heng a headache but it was fine this time.

“Thank you” Dan Heng nodded, his voice only having a slight growl.

He knew and was very aware how Herta could be.. Forgetful especially when she got interested in a new project but this was Welt, his pseudo father figure and when Dan Heng overheard the conversation between the two hearing the pain in Welt’s voice, well, Dan Heng could be just as protective as his ancestors when it came to things or people he deeply cares about.

“March, we’re gonna need chaos and distraction, proper distraction. I have some of Pom Pom’s favorite sweets stashed in my room, do whatever you need to have Pom Pom on our side” Dan Heng commanded, getting a grin out of March.

“Sure thing Dan Heng! Anything I should steer clear on?” she asked, pulling out a notebook.

“Wholesome things, no fighting, no battles, definitely no wars. New strategic games, new foods, whatever you think would help him acclimate and feel comfy,” Dan Heng listed seriously. He wanted to make Jing Yuan as comfortable as he could since the General had always expressed wishing to visit the Astral Express.

“Roger Dodger Dan Heng!” She smiled then, turned serious, “How’re you holding up, Stelle told us where you were taken” she continued, her smile turning into pursed lips.

Both twins grimaced as their bright topaz eyes looked back at their dragon concerned. Neither of them were happy when it was said that they were to go to the Shackling Prison of all things for an interrogation of all things for the incident for Phantilily.

They angrily protested but Jing Yuan had tried his best but it was out of his hands on this matter.

Being inside the actual prison wasn’t any better, they recalled when they were on the bottom floor of the prison that Dan Heng actively avoided looking at one of the cells while they were trying to find Jiaquio and Xueyi.

Stelle being nosy went up to the cell and pressed her ear against it and froze, she shot a look to Caelus who was confused until he heard what his sister was hearing, the two looking at each other in both shock and outrage.

But the absolute worst thing the twins realized why Dan Heng was actively avoiding looking at that cell?

It was the cell that Dan Heng had been imprisoned in for years before being ‘freed’ by General Jing Yuan.

“I could be better, I’ll probably call Elise later to talk it out” Dan Heng commented, he had already booked a video appointment with their therapist, a woman who had once been rescued by Himeko and had been adamant to help them anyway she could. They had insisted that she didn’t need to do anything but when Elise heard about the history of the three teens on the Astral Express not to mention Welt, well the determined therapist demanded they call whenever they needed her.

“Caelus and Stelle, I hate to do this, but see if you can get Silverwolf to get me the video feed of what happened during the fight, we’re gonna need all that’s necessary to try and help Jing Yuan.” he asked, getting a nod from the twins who had no problem contacting the hacker of the Stelleron Hunters since they usually had game nights together.

Once everything was finalized March turned towards Dan Heng playing her hands on her hips staring at the dragon.

“Dan Heng, come take a nap, you’ve been up since yesterday” March all but demanded, pointing to her plushie filled bed and by the steely sound of her voice, he was not getting away from her.

Dan Heng nodded tiredly then crawled into March’s bed and promptly fell asleep.

Pom Pom waddled towards the new guest, the Astral Express had been humming with noises about some sad passengers and that was not happening on Pom Pom’s watch.

As they came into the parlor car, he found whom he was looking for, the man seemed relaxed and enjoying one of Himeko’s delicious espresso, that’s what PomPom assumed as the tall silver haired man took another sip of the drink from his own cup.

“Truly, the history of the Express is amazing Himeko, I didn’t realise you had made such accomplishments” Jing Yuan chuckled feeling relaxed..

“Oh it was nothing, it’s a team effort” Himeko smiled back, happily sipping from her coffee.

“Hello!” Pom Pom started, the new passenger turned kind, gentle eyes onto him and Pom Pom nodded to himself, yes this one was a good passenger.

Pom Pom was very familiar with the coming and going of visitors that came upon the express from planets they had visited and helped, making friends of the citizens there and allowing them to come aboard when they were in the vicinity.

Pom Pom had a very good memory of passengers that were nice and some that were questionable, but this one Pom Pom knew was important. Not only had he given Pom Pom snacks but he was always kind and polite towards Pom Pom and Pom Pom was going to return the favor.

The gold eyes watched him curiously making the bunny puff up his chest and thump it with one of their arms. Jing Yuan couldn’t help but smile at the adorable gesture.

“Pom Pom wanted to check on our dear guest and make sure they are doing alright, so please inform Pom Pom if they have anything you need attending to.” Pom Pom stated seriously, “Pom Pom knows you will be with us for a while so please don’t be afraid to ask!”

“Thank you Pom Pom, I appreciate your hospitality.” Jing Yuan said looking fondly at the conductor of the Astral Express, “it’s an experience to be traveling with you all, I…just wish it had been under better circumstances.”

At this Jing Yuan got a sad look on his face.

Pom Pom puffed up seeing Jing yuan getting upset again and couldn’t help but stomp his adorable little feet and point at the Xianzhou Luofu’s general.

“Pom Pom understands that our guest has an important mission but that shouldn’t stop the guest from having a pleasant trip,” PomPom huffed as they continued explaining, “a mission done with a clear head is needed and for that the guest needs not keep themselves on edge.”

“What PomPom is saying General,” March said stepping up next to their adorable conductor smiling at the silver haired man with a small box in her arms, “is that we understand that even though the situation isn’t the best, we want you to believe we’re doing everything we can to help you, but you also need to help yourself. I don’t think Master Yanqing would like it if you stressed yourself out and ended up hurting yourself while looking for him, right?”

“Exactly as March 7th says!” Pom Pom reiterated, “so Pom Pom will get some snacks and work on preparing a special meal for our guest.”

“And I’ll help! I have some ideas for our dinner to help cheer the General right up, until then here you go!” March said placing a simple wooden box on the table in front of both Himeko and Jing Yuan, both adults looked at the young pink haired girl as her periwinkle and pink eyes glittered, “don’t tell Dan Heng but this is something he’s been meaning to give to you he just hasn’t had a chance to.”

“Oh, and where is Dan Heng?” Jing Yuan asked as he looked behind March 7th, half expecting to see familiar teal eyes looking at him.

March 7th sighed exasperated as she placed her hands on her hips.

“Dan Heng is currently napping, he hasn’t slept very well lately since the incident with Hoolay and being brought into the prison with Stelle and Caelus so I made him take a nap on my bed. The twins are currently with him making sure he gets enough rest, don’t worry we’ll be sure to wake him up when dinner is ready.” March cheerily replied before grabbing PomPom’s hand hauling him up into her arms to carry them into the kitchen, ignoring their protesting.

“March 7th! Put me down this instant I am not one of your plushies!”

“Enjoy the gift general!” March giggled as she disappeared into the kitchen compartment with PomPom.

Himeko smiled as she recognized the smile box in front of the General.

“You know, Dan Heng has been fretting when to give you that for a while since we first left Luofu. He didn’t quite know what to get you but he had an idea, I think had it commissioned.” The red haired leader of the Astral Express said as Jing Yuan delicately opened the box and his eyes widened.

It was a small scale starchess board and pieces.

The board itself was rather thick; made out of a beautiful ebony colored wood with little details like the handles of the drawers were shapes of the main starchess pieces. The drawers were either on the side of the board so that it was something easy he could carry around. Opening up one of the drawers he picked up a single Jade colored piece he examined it, despite the size Jing Yuan could tell the precision and details on it were impeccable and the craftsperson was very skilled in getting all these into a smaller scale.

“I…this is so amazing…”

“Mmm I’m glad, Dan Heng’s worries were unfounded.” Himeko chuckled as she was smiling at Jing Yuan who kept looking over the details of each and every piece before laying them on top of the board, “If you wouldn’t mind Jing Yuan, I’d love to learn how to play the game if you would be so kind as to teach me?”

“I would be more than happy to teach you Himeko,” Jing Yuan replied as he placed the last piece on the board and started to explain the game to the red haired leader of the Astral Express, appreciative of the distraction though his eyes kept looking at the board fondly making a reminder to thank Dan Heng when he awaken.

The two of them got through a few games, Himeko stumbling a bit but looking nonetheless eager to try and outwit the General. She had a good keen eye for details and subtle movements which had Jing Yuan having to rethink a few of his moves before making them when Himeko had looked like she figured out some sort of plan.

It…was oddly homely if he thought about it as he moved another piece across the board.

Himeko hummed, tapping her cheek observing the pieces, leaving the General to express his thoughts back to Luofu.

For once, he didn’t have to worry about his duties, going to meetings, dealing with growing piles of paperwork, he left those tasks for Fu Xuen and Qingzu.

He didn’t have to train the recruits, or make surprise trips to the Alchemy Commission to check on Bailu, or even worry when Huohuo suddenly would sneak into the seat of Divine Foresight just to stay near him until Yanqing found out she was there. The blonde being protective of the smaller foxian girl when he found her, he would then proceed to grab her hand and the two of them would run off grabbing Feng Li on the way.

‘Huohuo,’ Jing Yuan thought thinking about the small foxian girl his son had made friends with since he was young, he hadn’t expected the friendship to happen nor grow but he could see how good they were for each other as friends, especially with Feng Li a trustworthy Cloud Knight that was Yanqing’s second in command and his closest friend next to Huohuo.

Jing Yuan inwardly grimaced recalling Feng Li had to leave the Luofu for a mission with other cloud knights before the Wardance started much to his disappointment, the foxian was due to come back soon and with how the current state of the Luofu was…,’I hope Huohuo can help Feng Li calm down when he finds out what happened to Yanqing.’ The Foxian was most of the time pretty calm and level headed until he heard something or anything that hurt Huohuo or Yanqing then the foxian knight was a force to be reckoned with.

Shaking his head, trusted Fu Xuen, the other generals and to some extent Lingsha to take care of the aftermath of the incident with Hoolay while he was away, at least from what was discussed he trusted her. He knew Huohuo would be able to help calm Feng Li down when he found out what happened to Yanqing, hopefully she would be the one to explain to him what happened.

Jing Yuan was broken out of his thoughts when he heard footsteps approaching him and found the twins standing next to him shifting nervously as they looked at each other.

“Is there something wrong?” Jing Yuan asked, looking at the twins with a concerned look on his face that had Himeko look up from their game to hear their answer. The twins looked at each other, seemingly to talk between themselves before they looked back at the Luofu General.

“It’s nothing bad really it's just that well…” Caelus said rubbing the back of his head not sure how to exactly say what they wanted to ask, like they were almost hesitant?

It struck Jing Yuan odd as the twins were some of the most…uniquely blunt people he had met.

So to hear them hesitate means it's something they don’t take lightly. He turned more to fully face them to let them know they had his full attention.

“We need a favor…and as odd as it is, could you stay with Dan Heng while he’s resting please?” Stelle asked, clapping her hands together in a begging motion,”We made sure to ask March before we asked you! She completely understands given the situation!”

Jing Yuan tilted his head a bit waiting to hear why the twins wanted him to watch Dan Heng.

“See we need to go and have a…conversation and it may take a while and we don’t want to disturb Dan Heng since he needs all the rest he can get and we both have to be there to talk and we feel really bad leaving Dan Heng.” Caelus added, smiling sheepishly.

Though with the confused look on the General’s face Caelus had to explain the favor further.

Behind Jing Yuan Himeko quickly understood though she had to turn her head to muffle her giggling as she gave the twins a look which the two quickly ignored for good reason.

“Stelle and I need to use the archives and usually Dan Heng is fine when he’s resting but with the recent events and all…” Caelus replied, sighing, “he just usually feels better when he’s had a bad night and joins March and us in the room just to know we’re nearby.” he said adding the last part softly, “it’s something he does sometimes just to well make sure…ya know..?”

“Ah…I see.” Jing Yuan said understand what Caelus was referring to. He turned to look at Himeko who was listening in.

“Go ahead Jing Yuan, we can continue our game later.” Himeko said understandingly, giving him a soft smile.

“Thank you, I look forward to more games with you.” Jing Yuan replied as he stood up, looking at the twins.

“March’s room is right next to the archives and don’t worry again it’s perfectly fine!” Stelle said smiling at the General who just raised an eyebrow at her but didn’t say anything as he headed towards the sleep compartments. Once the door shut behind him the twins high fived each other cackling while Himeko watched amused as she put away the General’s starches board, not wanting to lose any of the pieces.

“Really?” Himeko asked, giving the twins a knowing look.

“Technically…we really did have to leave the room,” Stelle said, giving the red haired woman an innocent smile,” and the last thing we would want to do is bother Dan Heng when he’s trying to rest.”

“Also with March helping Pompom with dinner she’s already occupied and we wouldn’t dare pull you away when you have to check the status of the Astral Express too,” Caelus added with a mischievous grin on his face as well.

“Did you really ask March 7th if it was okay?” was all Himeko asked and the twins nodded furiously even going as far to show her the text they had sent the pink haired girl on Caleus’s, “alright you two better take care of that call just in case the General asks about it.”

::Honestly they’ve been on call with me, I just wanted in on what they were planning:: A voice from Stelle’s phone said chuckling, ::it’s rather cute not that I care, but you still haven’t told me what I get out of this.::

“Well…obviously we don’t have anything you’d want…” Stelle said frowning, “is there something you want to do? I mean we already play games together, so something like that?”

Stelle and Caelus suddenly got a foreboding feeling when they heard Silver Wolf cackling on her end.

::Oh I have the perfect payment you two can do for me…:: the renowned hacker said making the twins mentally repeat in their minds this was for the General and Yanqing and it would be with worth it…not like they had a choice.

The first thing Jing Yuan noticed was that while it definitely looked like a room that a young lady like March 7th would have, there were many things that stood out. The pile of plushies in one corner, the many odds and ends on their own shelf in another corner where there was a seat, there was nothing that exactly matched or was coordinated on that shelf but he could tell they were important objects to who they belonged to.

Though what he didn’t expect when stepping into the room was that while it wasn’t completely dark, the lights were dimmed so it wasn’t bright, the planets displayed on the ceiling were glowed faintly as well it had a calming ambiance to it, fairy lights strung across the walls in the shape of stars that twinkled softly. Moving further in he could hear the sounds of soft rain and thunder from the large screen along the display were photos of the Astral Express crew and their adventures, Jing Yuan couldn’t help but smile seeing how Dan Heng had been doing once he joined the Astral Express.

Finally he turned to the bed full of plushies and quickly stuffed his fist into his mouth to muffle the coo that almost escaped him. Dan Heng it seemed was embracing his ancient Vidiyhara instincts, his translucent teal horns and tail had slipped from their cloudhymn disguise.

He was curled around and on top of many a plushy, he was clutching some of them and splayed over others, he truly looked like the ancient dragons of old.

Jing Yuan moved closer, then sat down near him, he reached out, hesitant but eventually sank his hand into the thick black tresses of hair. Jing Yuan knew most of the people of the Luofu assumed that he still loved Dan Feng but Jing Yuan could never love Dan Feng, Dan Feng was a father figure to him and was deeply in love with YingXing.

No, when he pushed for the exile of Dan Heng, he did so because he could not bear for Dan Heng to bear Dan Feng’s punishment. Jing Yuan only started developing feelings later on, as he heard more and more tales of Dan Heng of the Astral Express. He would take the information of his habit to ah gather information on his ahem obsessions, to the grave.

Dan Heng had shone so brightly in all the news clippings, recordings, and photo’s of his exploits and achievements that Jing Yuan could not stop collecting them.

Jing Yuan continued his internal musings while gently caressing Dan Heng’s head, however, because of his distraction, he did not notice how the translucent tail started moving. It wasn’t until he had been yanked down drawn into Dan Heng’s clutches that he realised what happened, he stifled a bellow of laughter and looked at Dan Heng’s sleeping face.

“Aiyah, A-Heng, still a cuddler hmm?” Jing Yuan murmured.

He found himself oddly comfortable and tired after the morning's events, he sobered slightly at the thought of his son, he knew, he knew that the Astral Express kept their promises but he was also so scared because; how long would it take.

Jing Yuan felt another sob crawl up his throat and before it could escape, Jing Yuan stifled it by burying his head into one of the fluffier plushies, he felt how the tail around his waist curled tighter before he was dragged directly into his arms that Jing Yuan just slumped and let the exhaustion that had plagued him take over.

He curled into Dan Heng, his own arms going around Dan Heng’s waist and his legs mingling with Dan Heng’s legs; he let himself have this. He laid his head down and even though he should be watching Dan Heng, Jing Yuan also ended up falling asleep.

“Thanks SilverWolf! Say hi to mama Kafka and dad Blade for us!” Caelus and Stelle chorused.

“And what were you two doing, contacting Silverwolf? Hmm?” came Welt’s stern voice from behind the twins.

“GAH!!!” they yelped, turning around only to be met with a stern look from their other father figure.

“Ehehe, we were trying to get the footage from the arena so that we could help Jing Yuan?” they chorused yet again, giving each other looks.

“You two,” Welt sighed before smiling wryly at his two youngest, “Just make sure you don’t get caught, okay” he ruffled their hair then made to walk past them.

They beamed then turned to leave before stopping, they looked at Welt, he looked haggard as he trudged towards the passenger cabin, they nodded at each other before running and tackle hugging Welt (they made sure not to tackle him to the ground).

“Welt, thank you for being the best dad ever” Caelus muttered into Welt’s one shoulder.

“Thank you for being there even when we’re being gremlins” Stelle continued on from Caelus as she hugged Welt’s other side tightly.

“Thank you for loving us, we love you too dad” they announced together.

Welt sobbed as he clutched them closer, “I love you too my dear star farers” Welt choked as he clutched his twins.

They stayed like that for a moment before separating.

The twins grinned then skipped back to March’s room while Welt tried to compose himself.

“Oh you big softy” Himeko cooed at Welt as she moved from her hiding spot to give her husband a hug.

“Th-They called me dad Himeko! Dad!” Welt gasped out before devolving into sobs again.

“I heard love, I heard” she smiled at him before drawing him in for a long hug.

March and Pom Pom ended up making a whole host of snacks for the welcome party and even took out some of the less violent board games.

March felt quite accomplished and mentally patted herself on the back. The party car was an awesome area and needed more use in her opinion.

“March!” Stelle screeched as she barreled through the car door.

March looked up, startled at the loud sound, “Stelle? Aren’t you looking after Dan Heng?” she questioned.

“Yes but also look at this!” Stelle whispered/yelled shoving her phone into March’s face.

“What?!” March yelped then pushed the phone a bit away to look at what Stelle was showing her.

March gawped at the picture, it was of Jing Yuan and Dan Heng cuddling in her plushie pile.

“What?!” This time March squeaked at Stelle.

“MARCH! DID STELLE SHOW YOU?” Caelus yelled as he skidded to a stop next to them.

“Yeah?! How are they not together again?” March groused.

As the three grumbled and groused at their oblivious older brother and his obvious crush, Himeko and Welt came up behind them with raised brows.

Welt, ever the sneaky man that he is, snuck up behind them and slipped the phone from a startled March who yelped as Welt just ‘appeared’ behind them.

“What are you all so interested in?” Himeko chuckled, then looked at the image an amused Welt showed her.

“My, I knew there was something there but I didn’t think they moved this fast,” Welt chuckled as well only to then notice the pouts from the three in front of him.

“They aren’t together are they?” Welt huffed.

“No!” the trio grumbled again.

“Now, now, some relationships take a long time. Give them some space, after all, “Himeko glanced at Welt mischievously, “It took me nearly three years before I managed to make Welt understand how sincere I am about him” she giggled at the sputter Welt tried to argue but wasn’t able to come up with a counter argument.

March, Stelle and Caelus cackled at the now blushing Welt before leaving to finish the decorations of the party car. Especially now that they knew Dan Heng would not get up. He WAS a cuddler after all.

The morning after the party was both a hilarious and utterly heartwarming endeavor, after Welt and Jing Yuan had their little bragging competition which was thanks to one to many a drink, Himeko managed to wrangle her husband to their room while the Dan Heng helped Jing Yuan to his.

He was a bit annoyed but also very well rested, after being “accidentally” locked in the room with Jing Yuan and just throwing his feelings into a very dark place, he found himself once again cuddled up to the older man.

“We’re nearing Herta’s space station everyone, please get ready to dock!” Pom Pom called over the intercom.

Welt and Jing Yuan both let out tired groans as they slumped on the passenger couches clearly feeling the after effects of the night before. Stelle, March and Caelus were snickering as they took seats while they waited to dock.

Dan Heng sighed and walked over with a tray full of liquids for the two older men.

“You deserve the hangover,” Dan Heng remarked dryly, he shook his head at the twin miserable looks from both of them, “No, you both broke out the good Astrean Wine, it’s hard to come by” he grumbled.

Himeko snorted but gave both men a stern look because those were her wine cases, the wine cases she painstakingly got from Ambassador Vearan. She shook her head then left for the Cab to make sure they were docking at the right area.

When the Astral Express finally docked and all the checks were done and nothing amiss, they all left the docking area and made their way to one of the conference rooms, meeting Asta on the way there.

“So you want to use some of the visual equipment?” Asta asked as they walked through the hallways to the more private meeting areas, Dan Heng keeping close to Jing Yuan as the twins glared at any of the known fanclub of the Herta station daring them to try and interrupt them.

“Yeah, Specifically the ones that can display Reality Videos” Stelle commented casually.

Asta stopped and eyed Stelle, “I have an idea of where you could have gotten such high quality videos and while I would be questioning your sanity as to why, I’ll refrain judgement so long as you can get her to leave the volatile stuff alone” Asta commanded dryly folding her arms.

PING!

The sound of Stelles phone went off and when she glanced at the text she smiled wryly at Asta, “Ahem she says she understands but she doesn’t care for that stuff as it kinda screws with her plans,” Asta muttered a few choice words under her breath then lead the others to a fairly cozy boardroom.

“Hey… Stelle, is this not the boardroom that we uh” here Caelus cut himself off when Asta raised an eyebrow at him.

Stelle chuckled nervously then smacked his arm to shut him up, they all took a seat around the table and waited for Asta to start the video. Typing a bit on the keyboard, she eyed the device given to her that would display the needed video before inserting it into the computer, she waited on baited breath as if waiting for something to happen but when the device just had the video pop up she let out a relieved sigh.

The video quality was amazing but the contents were… horrifying in a way.

It started with the trio of teenagers fighting against Hoolay, Jing Yuan’s breath hitched every time his baby took a hit, every time he stumbled. Jing Yuan was barely holding it together, that is to say none of the others weren’t doing any better. Most of them were aware at how tough the battle was going to be dealing with Hoolay but none of them had expected it to be to this degree.

Welt had moved to stand behind March, his hand on her shoulder gripping her shoulders as though to make sure she wouldn’t disappear, Stelle and Caelus moved their chairs and then cuddled against March while Dan Heng’s eyes jumped between both March and Jing Yuan.

Himeko stayed rooted in her seat, her mouth tugged down in a frown and her eyes glowing with rage.

They all stayed silent, watching as the trio defended, attacked and then defended yet again, Jing Yuan shouted in panic when Hoolay aimed to claw at March and Yunli and then breathed a laugh as his baby boy pulled off a move he had only ever seen his master do. However that relief was short lived as a cry wrenched from his mouth when Hoolay backhanded him into a wall.

“Wha? What did Yanqing just try to block with?” Stelle gawked, she swivelled her head in Jing Yuan’s direction, noticing everyone’s almost shocked looks, she stopped probing further when she saw the near manic look on his face.

Dan Heng moved over to Jing Yuan and placed both hands on the terrified man’s hand, he clasped them a little tighter with hopes of grounding the man.

“Oh, oh thank Lan” Jing Yuan wheezed as Fei Xiao stopped Hoolay from doing anything more.

The entire group stayed rooted as they watched the scene play out, as they watched Hoolay ripped out his own heart? Core? Whatever it was, it was thrust into the sky and as Hoolay disappeared with his final words, Fei Xiao looked almost resigned.

They watched as Fei Xiao enacted her plan and trusting the kids to do what was needed, they watched as she flew up with her guardian and watched as the guardian swallowed it whole.

Everyone gasped when they saw Feixiao freefall down from the sky and crash onto the skysplitter, Yanqing standing in front breathing heavily as he gripped Feixiao’s bayonet. March and Yunli were by his side helping the young lieutenant stay upright as they waited on baited breath for Feixiao. Although once they saw the other general start moving it wasn’t a good thing.

“Her…her eyes, they’re red rimmed, has something happened to her? What even was that thing her creature ate?” Stelle asked confused and gasped when suddenly the three teens were forced to fight Feixiao on top of having just dealt with Hoolay, “why are you guys fighting her!?”

“G-General Feixiao explained it to us, she said that…it’s the heart of the borisn a…a product of the plaguemark? something that gave Hoolay great power from what she implied at least and that she had to stop it, otherwise all the foxian’s on the Xianzou Luofu would’ve gotten affected.” March said wincing as she was seeing the fight from what was less than a day ago replay right in front of her.

It was not an easy fight, it was one thing trying to fight Hoolay and keeping him distracted it was another to fight an Arbiter General of another Xianzhou ship.

March had figured once General Feixiao was there things would’ve gotten easier, instead it had gotten so much worse. She could still feel the bruises and the pain in her limbs trying to keep up with Yunli and Yanqing as the two were determined to keep Feixiao distracted, also keeping March who was less experienced behind them. That didn’t stop March from using her arrows, ice and shields to back them up, keeping them safe.

Although seeing Yanqing’s condition again on the screen in front of her she couldn’t help but grasp her hands tightly recalling how she kept having to create an ice shield around him to try and lessen the blows he was getting from the foxian general, it wasn’t much, but the young blonde would send her thankful looks as he continued to fight.

She jolted in her seat, not realizing that she had shut her eyes tightly and her whole body was shaking when she felt her hands getting covered, looking up to see both twins covering her hands with their own, squeezing in support.

She gave them a small smile though she flinched when she heard Yanqing yell as he finally got a chance to throw the weapon Fei Xiao had handed to him before going through with whatever plan she had told them. They’re not sure what had happened but the weapon disappeared and something seemed to be going on with Feixiao as she stopped what she was doing, grabbing her head and starting yelling as if she was in great pain.

Whatever had happened had sent Feixiao into a frenzy; she had no control over her body like before and was attacking more erratically. Bursts of her power were escaping her body that the three of them had to dodge or were thrown back by the burst of winds coming at them. The pressure in the room seemed to grow more, whether it was the sparks of lightning coming off of Jing Yuan, Dan Heng’s eyes were glowing brightly, Himeko's whole body seemed to let off heat and there were flickering small black holes flashing all around Welt not to say that the others weren’t growing as tense.

Both twins' hands seemed twitchy as if to summon their bats, March was shivering but letting off a cold chill once more in the room as they all watched Yanqing, Yunli and herself deal with a frenzied General. Though the fight was a blur as the trio on screen were trying their best to hold Feixiao back, the foxian general was soon found slumped in Yanqing and Yunli’s arms evidently coming back to her senses.

The obvious relieved looks relaxed the room for a moment, as Feixiao managed to steady herself and looked like she was about to say something, when Yanqing’s eyes fluttered shut and he fell forward Jing Yuan’s eyes fell not to his son but gasped when he saw what had fallen from his son’s pocket, the familiar gemstones on the item flickering.

“No…no…why did he have that on him!?” Jing Yuan exclaimed fearfully as the rest of the room saw Yanqing disappear right in front of their eyes, “YANQING!”

Jing Yuan stood up, knocking his chair back as Asta froze the picture of Yanqing fading away the whole room bursting into noise.

The culprit…it was the device the relic that Jing Yuan had brought with him from the Luofu was sitting on top of the table innocently.

The noise around him seemed to be static in Jing Yuan’s ears as all he could see was his baby disappearing in front of him, why…why did he have to hold the relic?

How did it even get activated when he himself had been trying for years to get it to work since bringing Yanqing home with him.

He couldn’t think straight.

All he could see was the proof in front of him that his son was not with him or in this world.

All of this was too much for the grieving General that he just blacked out. The last fading voice he heard before he completely faded.

JING YUAN!

Lan: (Holding Aeon AHA by one of his masks) THE HELL DID YOU DO

Aha: (Cackles) Noooooothing!!!

Yaoshi: As long as you don’t encroach on my territory I don’t care.

Qlipoth: (Sighing deeply) Aha will this affect us in any way.

Aha: (Stills) Nooooooooo

Xipe: (Smiles gently then pulls out the Aeon chains) I see.

Aha: Well, I feel threatened now.

Chapter Text

In this chapter we have the following: Dads being dads and talking about their kids over drinks ♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡

The special dinner prepared for Jing Yuan was in full swing in the party car, music was playing as everyone was enjoying the food that was prepared. The bar was lined up with all sorts of small entree dishes and snacks that looked and smelled delicious while the robot bartender made the drinks to order, making sure that the kids, even Dan Heng didn’t get anything alcoholic.

That didn’t stop Caleus from attempting to get an alcoholic drink before he got swatted away by the robot who made buzzing noises at the male twin as he was being shooed away.

Dan Heng and Jing Yuan had been woken up by Himeko, the twins and March 7th being too busy complaining about Dan Heng still not confessing to Jing Yuan so she was the one who brought them over to the party car, much to their embarrassment.

When Himeko had knocked and walked into March’s room, by that time Dan Heng had changed back to his cloudhymn disguise as Jing Yuan was straightening his uniform and fixing his hair, they made a sight when Himeko just raised a fine eyebrow which just had the two of them quickly explain to her that nothing had happened.

Dan Heng was pretty sure she believed them but the knowing look she was sending him was telling him to make a move already.

All Himeko did though, was give the two a look and the two heard a disappointed sigh as she walked out saying the party car was ready. The two could’ve sworn Himeko muttered something under her breath.

As the door shut behind Himeko leaving the both of them to stand there silently, their faces slowly turning different hues of red before Jing Yuan coughed getting Dan Heng’s attention.

“We shouldn’t keep the others waiting,” Jing Yuan remarked as he gave Dan Heng a soft smile that made the young dragon’s heart skip a few beats.

It didn’t help when the young vidyadhara when he woke up from his nap he found himself curled up against Jing Yuan holding him tightly, also inwardly panicking at how this happened and was fighting himself to either wake the other up or just stay where he was and just rest.

Dan Heng opened his mouth to say something but he changed his mind at the last moment nodding at the General. Turning away, he missed the smile from Jing Yuan’s face, falling slightly dejected.

“I…yes…we should hurry, we can't let all of their hard work preparing everything go to waste.” Dan Heng said still flustered from the situation earlier, turning to the doors and walking through them and down the hallway with Jing Yuan following closely behind him.

Making their way to the party car where the others were, Jing Yuan apologized for not actually watching Dan Heng but the trio excused him saying it had been a long day for him and that they were all glad he was able to get some rest.

Dan Heng on the other hand was immediately swarmed by said trio when he and Jing Yuan separated demanding answers as the young vidyadhara tried to escape his pseudo-siblings by bypassing them and heading straight towards the food and bar.

As much as he loved and cared for them, he was not going to say anything especially when the person they were teasing him about was in hearing range. That didn’t stop neither the twins nor March from constantly poking fun at a reddening Dan Heng as he was snacking on some food and kept trying to walk away.

The three followed him like a shadow or more similar to little ducklings, poking and prodding him with knowing grins on their faces; particularly on the twins as March 7th was trying to get pictures of Dan Heng’s red face, pouting as Dan Heng would turn away just as her camera flashed.

“Dan Heng! Dan Heng, come on, you can’t keep secrets from us!” March 7th giggled as she cut Dan Heng off making him turn swiftly and walk in the other direction, the twins on his heels, “Dan Heennggggg~”

“We got proof you knooooow,” Stelle sang as she held up her phone, “lovely proof of you and the General cuddling!”

That made the vidyadhara stumble, nearly dropping his plate of food as he turned swiftly to look at the silver haired duo with mirroring cheshire grins on their faces making Dan Heng narrow his teal eyes at them.

“You two were in each other’s embrace oh so adoringly.” Caleus said, clasping his hands together in typical sibling teasing fashion,” it was so CUTE, you holding the General so lovingly and softly as your tail wrapped around his waist protectively~”

“I…we were not!!” Dan Heng sputtered his face a lovely hue of rose as Stelle and Caleus just smirked back and Stelle proudly showed off the photo as definite proof making Dan Heng’s face turn from a rose shade into a deeper crimson,” delete it now”

“Whoops I’m suddenly deaf!” Stelle said whistling innocently as she held her phone protectively to her chest as Dan Heng narrowed his eyes and raised his free hand with cloudhymn magic humming and water starting to form around his hand.

He was stopped when he heard Himeko’s warning voice near the bar with the bartender and PomPom.

“Dan Heng, we said no cloudhymn magic in or around the Express,” Himeko called as she was sipping her coffee and eating with Pom Pom calmly, “remember what happened last time when we were at Washtopia and you tried to help clean the Express.”

Dan Heng stopped, the water quickly disappearing as his ears were burning in embarrassment at the memory of the incident making the trio cackle loudly as they vividly remembered that incident as well.

He stopped summoning the cloudhmyn magic but continued to glare at the trio that were being relentless in their teasing, he huffed and walked quickly away but still had the trio behind him laughing as they decided to let up and hauled Dan Heng by the arms dragging the dragon off somewhere to entertain themselves.

Welt chuckled as he watched the kids fondly, the go board in front of them with pieces scattered all over the board as he and Jing Yuan were finally having their game as the two were nicely settled in a private corner of the party car.

When Jing Yuan had joined them in the party car he had made his way over to the brown haired man who was gazing out of the window, as he got close enough for Welt to notice him, Jing Yuan asked quietly if they could try that game that Welt had tried showing him earlier. He had noticed the man had looked worn down and tired as he was pushing the pieces on the board himself, lost in his own thoughts.

Welt was more than happy to indulge in the General’s curiosity and set up a game between the two of them in a quiet corner of the car. It didn’t take long for Jing Yuan to understand the game and the two were chatting mildly with one another as they played another round.

“Are you feeling any better General?” Welt asked as he moved one of the pieces and flipped over a few of Jing Yuan’s pieces.

“A bit if I’m being honest, I’m still concerned and restless but the nap I will admit did help a lot.” Jing Yuan replied smiling softly as his eyes glanced over to Dan Heng who had been coerced by the twins dragging him to one of the arcade games that the twins had been gifted from Penacony as March 7th swiftly took his plate stealing his snacks.

They had plans to give the twins their own rooms eventually, they had most of the necessary things but Pom Pom wanted a couple more items and pieces but neither of them were in any hurry and they enjoyed sharing with March 7th and Dan Heng for their sleeping quarters.

“ I’m happy that resting did help you, but if I may ask concerning you and Dan Heng…?” Welt asked as Jing Yuan just smiled back and just took a sip of the mixed drink that the bartender had made.

“It’s…complicated.” was Jing Yuan’s answer, he didn’t know how to exactly broach the topic of his interest in Dan Heng to who was possibly his father figure, his thought at the moment were more focused on finding a way to find his dear son but… he turned his head and glanced over to see Dan Heng attempting to play as a little wolf like creature shooting targets on the game screen with the twins and March 7the cheering him on behind him.

Dan Heng had a look of concentration on him as he was trying to get the highest score and getting close to it, watching as Dan Heng slammed his hand down on the machine and there was a loud explosion from the arcade machine, the cheers increased in volume. “but who knows what the future may hold,”

“The future is what you make of it, what better chance do you have than now?” Welt stated encouragingly, making the general look back at him as Jing Yuan looked thoughtfully,” but I’m not rushing you into anything, I believe you and Dan Heng can figure things out for yourselves.”

“Thank…thank you Welt, I appreciate the sentiments and trust you have in me.” Jing Yuan replied thankful for Welt being supportive, though he did watch as the brown haired man took another sip of his drink and sighed looking at this drink forlornly, “Is something the matter?”

“Oh nothing really, the drinks really are nicely made but it’s not as strong as I had hoped they would be,” Welt replied, putting down his glass on the table and sighing leaning back against his chair. He looked at the go board looking for an opening as he continued, “Himeko has a nice private stash of wine, I was kind of hoping she would at least bring out one of the bottles there.”

“Does she rarely open any?” Jing Yuan asked, having his own vintage set of alcohol in his own home that he would take a bottle out and indulge in a drink or two, he knew the feeling of wanting to keep rare drinks for special occasions.

Welt nodded, “the last time she opened a bottle even for only a single cup was when we acquired the twins in joining the Astral Express. It’s been a while since she’s opened her private stash.”

Jing Yuan got a mischievous grin and looked at Welt, “well if everyone is rather occupied we could get one for ourselves.”

Welt just looked at the General, narrowing his eyes wondering if he was hearing things.

Was He actually suggesting that they break into Himeko’s private stash of alcohol?

He looked over to his wife who was occupied discussing something with the rabbit-like conductor and turned back to look at the General who looked like he had a plan.

“You’re serious ?” Welt said he knew better than to break into Himeko’s case because she was rather protective of her collection, “she has them locked up though.”

“I may have learned a few tricks here and there around a lock or three that may have annoyed old friends and coworkers.” Jing Yuan said as he continued smiling, “it’s a party and might as well have a little fun right?”

‘Himeko won’t miss…one bottle…’ Welt thought to himself and decided why not.

The two easily slipped away from the others as they were all engrossed with their own activities, heading to the kitchen car where in the back of the kitchen near the pantry was a large display case of several varieties of wine bottles. Jing Yuan was impressed by the amount and he could tell these were rare and vintage wines that were in the display case.

“Is there one in particular you’d want to get?” Jing Yuan asked as he eyed the lock on the case.

“The Astrean Wine is something I've been *cough wanting to try for a while,” Welt replied embarrassingly, luckily there were two bottles but he had been eyeing them ever since Himeko had gotten them as a gift.”

The general nodded and Welt watched, surprised at how easily and quickly Jing Yuan was able to unlock the wine case with something he pulled out of his pocket and pulled out the bottle of wine Welt had suggested, locking it behind him.

Welt had to admit he didn’t expect Jing Yuan to know how to do that, the lock was a rather simple one, not complicated due to Himeko trusting the kids not to break into the wine case; apparently she never considered her husband or the General to attempt to break into it.

“Do I even want to know how you were taught this? I don’t believe it’s something Cloud Knights would typically learn,” Welt said as they walked casually back to the party car the wine hidden well between the two of them, thinking of what Welt had learned about the High Cloud Quintet as well it was hard imagining any of them knowing how to pick locks.

“Mmm it’s one of the skills I had picked up from my pretty-Gege and Tobi-Gege.” Jing Yuan replied softly, his voice going fondly as if he was speaking of beloved family members or ones that were important to him, “they figured it would be useful and I have used them a few times. Now shall we enjoy our spoils?”

Welt knowing not to ask anymore about Jing Yuan’s family, both of them returning to their corner, the others hadn’t realized they hadn’t left which was good for them. They finished their drinks in their cups and Welt popped open the bottle pouring them each a glass.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you come across Yanqing? We all assumed he was just your mentee?” Welt asked.

He could feel the kick of the Astrean liquor hitting him, he knew his dear wife liked her liquor strong but he didn’t realize it was this strong. It went down smoothly, not too rich but he could definitely taste the rare tart fruit that was a specialty of the planet that had come from used to make this wine, a bit dry but the wine itself as each sip revealed new layers. Welt understood why this wine was a rarity among its own and highly sought after.

“Hmm? Oh that? Long story short, I adopted him from a really bad home. My Tobi-Gege always told me that if I ever wanted a child of my own, all I needed to do was find someone who also needed a family and just, you know, offer them a home” Jing Yuan said, he had to admit, he was used to his own wines and liquor, none of them however were as strong as this. It had been some time since he had properly let go.

“Jing Yuan, a man after my own heart” Welt chuckled, raising his glass slightly.

Himeko, who had come over to scold the both of them as if she sensed one of her precious bottles had left their shelves, for taking her wine, stopped and stared at the two men incredulously after hearing what Jing Yuan said with Welt agreeing..

“Welt, Jing Yuan, you both realize that sounds like kidnapping, yes?” Himeko deadpanned as she stood next to both of them.

Both men looked at her guiltily, not even trying to hide the wine.

Himeko breathed through her nose then looked her husband in the eyes, “You may have one other wine from my cupboard but after that it’s either the hard liquor at the bar or the beer in the mini fridge” she stated before dipping and giving him a kiss on the forehead.

As she pulled back, Himeko felt the flutters start up again and she felt her smile turn adoring in response. The look he was giving her now was one that he had been giving her for years and yet, the adoration and love has never faded. She didn’t know how she lucked out with this man but she knew she would annihilate an entire world for him.

As she turned to leave she noticed that Jing Yuan had turned his head to give them both privacy but had gotten distracted it seems. She followed his gaze and laughed softly, even when he didn’t realize he was doing it, his gaze was naturally drawn to Dan Heng.

“Alright you saps, enjoy your party” Himeko stated before turning to go to the kids making them jump when she called to them, as they gave her slightly guilty looks in return.

Welt watched his wife walk off then turned and found Jing Yuan staring at Dan Heng once again, when he had entered earlier he had also stared after Dan Heng as Dan Heng left to talk with the chaos twins and March.

He knows that look the General was giving Dan Heng, it's the same pining look he had given Himeko before they had gotten together.

He stared down at Jing Yuan’s hand which had started gripping the glass tighter then decided to ask him about something he was curious about with hopes of distracting him a bit.

“Jing Yuan, I noticed earlier this morning, you had a few questions, yes? May I ask what they were?” Welt prodded.

Jing Yuan snapped out of his daze then blushed under Welt’s knowing look.

“Oh, I…“ Jing Yuan paused, looking down and gripping the glass tighter, causing Welt to frown, “I just want to ask, what was Dan Heng like when you found him? Was he alright?” Jing Yuan continued, his eyes staring blankly at the contents of the glass.

Welt frowned then sighed and took a deep drink from his glass.

“When we found Dan Heng he was reserved, confused and honestly he acted like he didn’t know how to do anything mundane” Welt said and stared out the window, he could recall how Dan Heng would just nod and do what was asked, not questioning either Himeko nor Welt. The two grew more concerned especially when they would eat together that Dan Heng would pick at his food, not from being picky but he looked unsure as if it was a lie to be allowed to have the warm meal in front of him.

“We obviously found out why a few weeks later when he decided to warn us that he was an ‘exile’ from The Xianzhou” Welt continued after taking a long sip from his glass.

Jing Yuan frowned down at his glass but then stopped when he heard a chuckle from Welt.

“You know General, I have quite a few stories about Dan Heng’s time here, that are a bit more light hearted. Would you like to hear a few?” He asked mischievously and Jing Yuan let out a little grin as he poured them both another glass.

On the other side of the party car, the ‘kids’ in question huddled together and eyed the two older men now looking as though they were cackling about some interesting topics. Dan Heng counted them getting up no less than four times in the last hour only to come back with more liquor.

“What, what do you think they’re talking about?” March asked Dan Heng nervously as she watched the two both burst into laughter.

“I’m not sure and that makes me nervous” Dan Heng replied back, concerned as he counted another glass Jing Yuan had filled up.

“Hmm? Oh they’re trading stories about us and Yanqing” Stelle said as she looked up from her game. They had decided to take a break from the arcade game and just share their snacks on the floor while March and Caelus were trying to build a house of cards with little success.

Dan Heng, March and Caelus’ heads whipped towards her.

“WHAT!!!” They screeched in unison, the house of cards falling apart.

“What? I see no problem with that” Stelle scowled as she held her phone away from the others.

“Yeah, I think the stories they told was that one time March and Caelus had the whole song showdown in her room? You know the one that ended up disastrous because you two were Diva’s” Stelle said dryly.

March and Caelus groaned.

“There was also that time when Dan Heng first learned to cook with Himeko and you know, everything got soaked” Stelle cackled.

Dan Heng put his head in his hands but all of them knew he was blushing from the red tips of his ears.

“OH! Did y’all know about the painting incident?” Stelle cackled.

“Paint incident?” the other three questioned.

“Yeah apparently both HuoHuo and Yanqing decided to make these paint explosion talismans? Anyway there’s a whole part of Fyxstroll garden that is now just neon orange and neon green” Stelle cackled and this time the others joined in.

“So that’s where the little brat got those talismans from.” Dan Heng chuckled.

At the mention of the tags the other three swiveled their heads to look at Dan Heng.

“Oh? It sounds like you have been on the other side of those talismans Dan Heng?” Himeko chuckled from behind him.

Dan Heng nodded with a rueful smile on his face. He moved to the side a bit to let Himeko join the group.

“Yes, you see after Blade and I had our unfortunate meeting we also encountered Yanqing who was trying to stop us, unfortunately we did not go easy on him and he lost” Dan Heng began as the smile on his face grew more indulgent.

“Oh?” Caelus commented.

“Yes and then after Kafka *ahem* controlled us and forced us to stop, Jing Yuan came and asked for help but not before Yanqing in retaliation threw one of the talismans at us.

However it wasn’t orange and green, it was Luminescent pink with multicolored polka dots” he finished which sent the entire group into peels of laughter.

This somehow drew the attention of the two older men who it seems have had quite a lot to drink, they smiled dopily at them and then carried on with their own stories.

(ﾉ>ω<)ﾉ :｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆____________________This is a Timeskip, I repeat this is a Time skip____________________

It was nearing midnight by standard time when Himeko decided to stop the fun that the two older gentlemen were having.

Jing Yuan was lying on his arms on top of the table chuckling about something and Welt was halfway asleep.

“Okay then, come on honey, I do believe you have had enough and it is time for bed” Himeko cajoled.

Welt sat up, his face flushed and then he turned to look at Himeko with an adoring smile.

“Du bist die liebe meines leben” Welt said to her and Himeko had to fight down a fierce blush, oh her husband was a romantic one and so adorable when he fell back into his earthling language.

Himeko knew he specifically made sure that that specific language was not in the synaesthesia beacon. He did it just so he’d have moments like these to surprise his wife and then say it to her again in English afterward.

Himeko opened her arms and Welt all but tackled her to hug her fiercely and that was how she got him back to her rooms. Himeko adored how her husband was a sweet and cuddly drunk.

Dan Heng smiled at the sight then turned to his own gentleman and sighed an indulgent sigh.

Yes, deep in his heart this man was his but Dan Heng was unsure if he was Jing Yuan’s, he sighed then gently patted Jing Yuan on the back to get his attention. He heard the man mumble something as he looked up at Dan Heng with a single golden eye before turning his head away, like a sleepy cat that didn’t want to move.

“Come A-Yuan, it’s time for bed” Dan Heng said a bit more forcefully as he reached over and shook his shoulder.

When Jing Yuan made no move to get up and follow him he signaled for the chaos twins to help him carry him to his room. The twins gave him a look, very aware that Dan Heng if he wanted to could carry him, which made his face burn red as Stelle and Caelus cackled. March was quickly snapping photos of the sleepy General behind the twins.

Rolling his eyes Dan Heng pulled Jing Yuan off of the seat, throwing the General’s arm around his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around his waist getting him upright. The twins made sure to help Dan Heng if the general leaned too far making the young dragon unbalanced.

This went all the way to Jing Yuan’s room and when he went to lie him down on the bed all he heard was the click of the door behind him and several footsteps running down the hallway.

Standing up slowly from his bent position he slowly turned to look at the door,walking over, tried to pull it open and when it didn’t budge, he tried his cloudhymn but was surprised when instead he was rebuffed by a cold energy.

‘They had March seal the door’ he thought in disbelief.

Dan Heng was far too tired to care at this point and since he and Jing Yuan had already shared a bed he may as well do it again, so while he got comfy next to his A-Yuan he plotted quietly on how to get back at his nosy siblings.

Lan: (Ignoring Yaoshi)

Yaoshi: Fine! I guess you don’t need that one ship (Pouts and stalks off to one of the nearby planetary systems)

Lan: (Head whips around so fast to Yaoshi then he starts cursing and running after the abundant nuisance).

Qlipoth: (Sighs) When will those two get their act together?

Xipe: Not anytime in these amber cycles (Turns and looks for Aha) Where is Aha?

Aha: (Cackles as his plan starts to take fruition).